Further education
Care to Learn
This is support for teenage parents aged under 20. It provides financial support for the costs of your childcare so that you can help continue your education or training.
This funding can pay up to £160 per week per child (£175 in London) to cover registered childcare costs and travel between home and the childcare provider. Funding is also available to cover childcare deposits and registration fees.
Childcare costs are paid direct to the childcare provider and travel costs are paid direct to the learning or training provider.
For further information and to find out if you are eligible call the Learner Support Service on 0800 121 8989 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/caretolearn.
Discretionary Learner Support Fund (including Discretionary Childcare 20+)
If you are aged 19 or over and are attending a further education college, the Discretionary Learner Support Fund may be able to help you with a variety of costs, including childcare.
The amount of funding available will vary as each college manages their own procedures and criteria for administration of the fund.
You can apply for the Learner Support Fund at your college by speaking to the student support or welfare officer.
For further information about courses you could receive funding for contact the National Careers Service on: 0800 100 900
Training to work in childcare
If you are doing a course in early years, childcare or play there may be funding available. For further information contact your local Family Information Service (FIS). You can get contact details for your local FIS by visiting http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/findyourFIS
Jobcentre Plus
Jobcentre Plus may provide work-focused support helping you get back into work. Help with childcare costs may also be available. For more information please contact your local Jobcentre Plus office for advice.
More information about support from Jobcentre Plus.
Hardship fund/bursaries
Some colleges may offer hardship funds or bursaries to help you if you are facing extreme financial difficulties. These are usually one-off payments that you do not have to repay. Speak to the student services or welfare officer at your college for more information.