Childcare Support Whilst Learning

Sixth Form College Child Care Scheme - If you’re aged 20 or over and studying in the sixth form (or a sixth form college), the government offers financial assistance through its Sixth Form College Childcare Scheme.

Free Childcare for Training and Learning Scheme - If you’re an out-of-work parent aged 20 or over with a partner in employment, the governmental Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme may be able to help with childcare costs.

College Discretionary Support Fund - If you don’t qualify for the above schemes, you may still be able to get financial support once you’ve been accepted onto your course through your college’s Discretionary Support Fund.

Sixth Form College Child Care Scheme

Depending on your household income, you could qualify for financial assistance worth up to £160 per child per week for the 2009/10 academic year (up to £175 in London).
Are you eligible?

• You must be living in England and be aged 20 or over on the day you start studying.
• You must be the main career for a child under 15 years of age (or under 16 if the child is disabled).
• You must be studying full-time or part-time in the sixth form (or sixth form college) funded by the Learning and Skills Council (ask your school or college if you're unsure)
• The childcare provider you use must be fully registered with Ofsted (on the Early Years Register, or the compulsory part of the Childcare Register). Ask to see the provider’s registration certificate if you’re unsure. Note that you won't be able to claim for costs that are already covered through support from other sources.

How much can I get?

Full-time studying and household income of less than £30,502 for the previous tax year: You can claim financial help for childcare costs up to a weekly maximum of £160 per child (if you live outside London) or £175 per child (if you live in a London local council area).

Full-time studying and household income between £30,502 and £50,501: You may still apply for help towards the actual costs of your childcare, but will receive less than the weekly maximum. Find out more at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/DG_067471

Studying part-time: You are also eligible for assistance if you’re studying part-time, but the weekly maximum you can claim will be reduced. How much it will be reduced depends on exactly how much time you spend in education.


How do I apply?

To find out more, or to get an application form, call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989.


Free Childcare for Training and Learning Scheme

The Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme is aimed at out-of-work parents with a partner in employment. If you're looking to do a course classed as developing new skills that could lead to a job, it could provide up to £175 per child per week to help with childcare costs.

What can I learn or train for?

Courses that are classed as developing new skills that could lead to a job. These could be refresher courses in English and maths, to formal qualifications in a wide range of subjects.


Are you eligible?

• You need to be 20 or over and not in employment, with a partner in employment
• You can have one or more child aged 14 or under (18 or under if the child is disabled)
• You must have a household income of £20,000 or less per year
• You must use a childcare provider registered with Ofsted

How much can I get?

If you qualify, you could get up to £175 per child per week - or £215 per child per week in London - to help pay for childcare costs.


How do I apply?

You can contact the student services team at your college, or get in touch with nextstep.
They will help you find out if you qualify, and guide you through the application process. You can also call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989.


Discretionary Support Funds

Discretionary Support Funds are available in colleges and school sixth forms to help with learning costs, with funds prioritised for those facing financial hardship. One of the things they can be used for is childcare costs (for Ofsted-registered childcare). Discretionary Support Funds were previously known as ‘Learner Support Funds’, ‘Access Funds’ and ‘Hardship Funds’.


Am I eligible?

You must be 16 or over and have been accepted onto, or be studying in, a programme of learning funded by the Learning and Skills Council.

How much can I get?

Schools and colleges set their own criteria and manage their own procedures. This means that the amounts available, and the way funds are allocated, may differ between institutions. Some funds, including childcare and residential funds, have a maximum amount available.

How to apply?

If you're at a college, speak to your student support or welfare officer. If you're in a sixth form, get in touch with your tutor, or the student awards or student support officer. You may be expected to provide proof of income or expenditure when you apply. Student support staff will be able to advise you on whether you qualify for other sources of funding.

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