Many students who attend University have children to care for. You will need to contact the University of your choice to find out what local arrangements are available. Most holidays for Universities are the same as those with schools but Universities do not have half term breaks and so childcare may need to be arranged for these times.

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Who will look after your children whilst you attend College/University?

It is important that when you make the decision to go to College or University that you make sure that you choose the childcare that is right for your child. It may be that you have a partner or relative who can look after your child/ren but you may need to find a professional organisation to look after them. They need to be well looked after but how do you choose and can you get any financial help to make this happen.

How much childcare do I need to organise?

For the first 6 weeks at University you need to consider ensuring that your child is looked after between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm until you get into the routine of your study. It is important to recognise that you will need to put in approximately 30 hours per week to your studies (this includes your contact time with lecturers and tutors plus your private study time).

In Northamptonshire the Childcare information Service produce booklets to help you to make the right decision. The information available includes:

• Childminders
• Crèches
• Day nursery schools
• Holiday playschemes
• Nannies/au pairs
• Out of school clubs
• Playgroups
• Toddler groups

Do Universities provide childcare facilities?

Some Universities provide childcare facilities but many do not. Consequently you will need to organise childcare independently. By using the information contained in this leaflet you should be able to source appropriate childcare to suit your circumstances.

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Financial Help

Childcare Grant

This is available to full-time students who have dependent children in registered and approved childcare. You apply for the grant when you apply to your Local Authority for help with tuition fees and your student loan. You will not be able to get this grant if your partner receives the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit from the Inland Revenue.

The payment of the childcare grant is usually made in three instalments at the start of each term. It is included with your loan and other grants. This money is a grant and as such does not have to be repaid.

Parents Learning Allowance

This is a grant to help with course-related costs for students who have dependent children. The amount you get depends on your income and that of your dependants (including your husband/wife/partner). This grant is not taken into account when Jobcentre Plus and Housing Benefit departments work out any benefit entitlement.

The payment of this allowance is once again made in three instalments at the start of each term. Like the Childcare Grant this money does not have to be repaid.

Child Tax Credit

Students with dependent children are eligible for Child Tax Credit from the Inland Revenue. If you are in receipt of the maximum amount of Child Tax Credit your child is entitled to free school meals.

This Child Tax Credit is for parents who may be working or studying. The amount you get is dependant on your circumstances. To qualify for the Child Tax Credit, you must be aged 16 or over and be responsible for a child under 16 or for someone aged 16-19 in relevant (full-time non-advanced) education, or who is registered with Connexions or equivalent. You get a higher rate if your child or one of your children is under one year old or is disabled.

You can find out more information about this by calling 0845 300 3900 or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits. If you visit the website you can find out how much you could get, and make your claim on line.

This is all explained in more details in the DfES guide:

'A guide to financial support for Higher Education Students'

This can be downloaded from the DfES website www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport

alternatively you can get a hard copy by calling the DfES information line on 0800 731 9133.

Extra help available from your University

Financial help from your University or College may be available after you have started your course. This help is based on your circumstances. You should contact the student or advice services department for more information and details about how to apply.

• Introduction
• for Young People
• for Mature Students
  • Introduction
  • What's in it For Me?
  • Routes into Higher Education
  • Your Choices
  • Applying to University
  • Finance
  • Childcare
  • FAQs
  • Self Assessment
• for Practitioners
• for Parents & Carers