Childcare support fund
If you’re a student parent on benefits or a low income you might qualify for
money from the Childcare Support Fund to pay for registered childcare. You can
receive this money directly and use it for registered childcare you’ve arranged
yourself. If you're at college you can apply for this through the Student
Support or Welfare Officer. If you're in sixth form you can apply through the
Student Awards or Student Support Officer at your Local Education Authority
(LEA).
New Deal for Lone Parents
If you're a lone parent whose youngest child is under 16, and are either not
working or are working under 16 hours a week, you can get help under the New
Deal for Lone Parents scheme. You'll get a Personal Adviser, who’ll tell you
what funding you're entitled to towards course fees, travel, and childcare.
Visit the Jobcentre Plus website, call freephone 0800 868 868 or drop into your
local Jobcentre Plus.
Childcare Grant Package
You can claim this money for registered childcare if you’re a full-time student
with children under 15. You can qualify for up to 85 percent of childcare costs
throughout the year, not just during term time. How much you qualify for depends
on the cost of your childcare, your income and any income your dependants earn.
You don't have to pay it back. You apply for the Childcare Grant from your Local
Education Authority (LEA) or the Student Awards or Welfare Officer at your
college. You can find out more about financial help towards the cost of
childcare in the Student Finance section of Directgov.
If you’re a full-time student with dependant children, you may qualify for this
funding in addition to the Childcare Grant. The Parents’ Learning Allowance is
non-repayable help towards course-related costs like travel, books, equipment
and childcare. How much you qualify for depends on your income and any income
your dependants earn. The Parents’ Learning Allowance is paid with any
maintenance loans or grants you receive.
Child Tax Credit
How much Child Tax Credit you qualify for depends on your circumstances and your
income. You can claim it regardless of whether you’re working or not. Call the
Inland Revenue Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or visit the Inland Revenue website to
work out how much you would qualify for and apply online.
Access to Learning Fund
This is available through your college or university. You may qualify for the
Access to Learning Fund if you’re on a low income and need extra financial help
to stay on in higher education. These funds can cover unexpected costs and costs
not being met by any other grants. You need to meet the usual residence
requirements and be considered a 'home student'.
Free childcare places
All children in England aged three or four are eligible for a free part-time
childcare place. You can find your local CIS by calling the Childcare
Information Helpline on 0800 2346 346.
I'm 16-19 and planning to go to/ already at sixth form or college.
Care to Learn
Under this scheme students aged 19 or under who have children can get funding to
pay for registered childcare and associated travel costs. Find out more by
visiting the Care to Learn section of Directgov or calling 0845 600 2809.
Career Development Loan (CDL)
If you’re over 18 and planning to do a vocational course you can use a
CDL to pay for childcare. You pay the loan back after you complete the course.
For more information you can call 0800 585 505 or visit the Career Development
Loan section on Directgov.
