Learner Support Fund
If you are aged 16 or over and studying on a course of further education at college you may be able to get financial help from the Learner Support Fund. The funding can help you with the costs associated with your course, including childcare fees.
The amount of funding available will vary, as each college manages their own procedures and allocates the funding in different ways.
If you receive funding you may be paid directly in cash,or the money may be paid to a service provider, direct to your childcare provider, for example .
You can apply for the Learner Support Fund through your college; you can speak to your student support or welfare officer for details. If you are a sixth form student, you should speak to your tutor or contact your local education authority student awards or student support officer.
Childcare Support Fund
This is administered by your college, as part of the Learner Support Fund, if you are on a low income to help with the costs of your childcare while you study. The college may provide a limited number of free or subsidised childcare places at the college nursery or may offer funding for external registered childcare of your choice.
Financial assistance you receive through the Childcare Support Fund is not counted as income when calculating any benefits you might be entitled to. The Fund is also available to refugees.
Funding can vary significantly between places of study. If you are studying at college, apply through the student welfare or student support officer. If you are studying at a school sixth form or sixth form college, you can apply through your local education authority. You can find details of your local education authority of the Student Finance direct website, www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk.
Adult Learning Grant
This is a means-tested allowance of up to £30 per week, which is designed to help you if you are aged 19 or over and are studying on a full-time further education course that leads to a first full level 2 or 3 qualification.
If you are receiving out-of-work benefits, you will not be eligible for the grant.
The grant will be paid for up to two years, but this can be extended to a maximum of three years. If you are eligible you can ask the student welfare or student support officer at your college for details of how to apply.
For more information about the Adult Learning Grant, you can contact Learndirect on 0800 100 900, www.learndirect.co.uk.
Sixth Form College Childcare Scheme
If you are aged 20 or over and are studying full or part time at a school sixth form or sixth form college or on a Learning and Skills Council funded course you may be to apply for funding under this scheme.
Funding under the scheme is worth up to £160 per child per week (up to £175 in London) and can help to pay fees to a registered childcare provider and will also help towards the cost of travel to get to and from your childcare provider.
To qualify you must be resident in England and be the main carer for a child aged 15 or under (16 if they are disabled). You must not be receiving any other support for the cost of your childcare and travel. Funding from this scheme will also be assessed on your household income.
For further information, call the Sixth Form College Childcare Scheme Helpline on 0800 121 8989.
Access or hardship funds
Some colleges have discretionary funds to help students who are facing financial difficulties. These funds can be used for childcare, as well as towards books, travel and equipment. Generally they are non-repayable one-off payments and levels of funding will depend on what is available.
Further information can be obtained from the student services or student welfare officer at your college.