Childcare costs while at college?

upsykimsy

Ok, if I've put this in the wrong section, I'm really sorry. I'm starting a full time course in January, but the college where I'll be studying don't have on site childcare at the campus in question. My partner is currently out of work, but we'd been discussing me returning to college, and then on to uni for a while. Is there any way I'd be entitled to childcare costs? I'd be studying around 15 hours a week. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

scottishf

Usually colleges and unis have a childcare fund. If your partner is out of work, and you are not working you may also get assistance from the college Hardship Funds

[Deleted User]

Hello,

I went to college, and it had an on site nursery, but as far as i know, if you are entitled to help, your child can go to nursery anywhere, and the college pay for it. In my case, I took on an extra day and there was no space on that day at the on site nursery where my DD went. So one day a week she went to a local one to my house and the college paid.
There willbe help available, in relation to how much financially will depend on your circumstances, but contact your local college. They will def be able to advise

SL x

Oldernotwiser

upsykimsy wrote: »

Ok, if I've put this in the wrong section, I'm really sorry. I'm starting a full time course in January, but the college where I'll be studying don't have on site childcare at the campus in question. My partner is currently out of work, but we'd been discussing me returning to college, and then on to uni for a while. Is there any way I'd be entitled to childcare costs? I'd be studying around 15 hours a week. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I doubt that you'll get any help with childcare costs whilst your partner is unemployed. Once s/he's working again you may be eligible for the childcare element of CTC.

upsykimsy

Sallylizzie wrote: »

Hello,

I went to college, and it had an on site nursery, but as far as i know, if you are entitled to help, your child can go to nursery anywhere, and the college pay for it. In my case, I took on an extra day and there was no space on that day at the on site nursery where my DD went. So one day a week she went to a local one to my house and the college paid.
There willbe help available, in relation to how much financially will depend on your circumstances, but contact your local college. They will def be able to advise

SL x

Thank you SL.

Oldernotwiser

I perhaps wasn't clear enough in my reply. Help with childcare is available to lone parents and sometimes families on a low income. You won't get help with childcare whilst your partner is unemployed because s/hhe will be available to look after the children while you study. When s/he's working again you may be eligible for some help, depending on your household income at this point.

bestpud

I agree with ONW.

Your partner can look after your child for now and, when he finds work, you can apply for tax credits that may help with the costs.

I don't think you can get help through tax credits unless you work as well, although that may have changed?

Once you get to uni, there is the childcare grant though.

Did you not explore childcare options while discussing the course, or when/before applying?

[Deleted User]

Hey,

My mistake, i didn't even register it said you had a partner who was unemployed, only skim read, so ONW and bestpud are right, you may not get any help as your partner is available to look after them, however, a phone call to the finance department will clear up any questions you may have about what help you may/may not get.
Good luck anyways
SL x