Apply for Parent Learning Allowance - How?

singlestudent

Hello. After much googling, I think I would qualify for the 'parents learning allowance', and 'childcare grant' but I can't find out how to apply for it.

I did contact the college I'm studying at and they told me to phone the job centre, and when I did, they told me to contact the college. Is there a specific application form or department you have to contact?

I would fall under the Richmond upon thames area.

A silly question: I'm doing 2 courses - one is 3 days per week at a college, 7 guided learning hours per day (21 per week), plus about 3 hours homework. The other is an open uni course (7+ hours per week). This means I'm studying over 30 hours per week.

Does this make me a full time student? Do you have to be at a college/uni 5 days pw to be full time? I'm a single parent of 2, and need childcare 3 days per week from 3 - 6 ish.

Thanks

Oldernotwiser

The grants you mention are only available for full time university level students.

However many part time courses you are studying and however many hours you're doing them for, you cannot be counted as a full time student. To be a full time student you have to be on a designated full time course.

You should ask in your college's Student Services section as to whether there is any help you can get for childcare.

singlestudent

Thanks for your reply.

I'm on an Access course. Does that make any difference? The 'guides' I've looked at online don't specify university courses, they just say higher education.

simpywimpy

the open university gives a £500 grant but not sure if it's for 30 or 60 point courses.

Oldernotwiser

singlestudent wrote: »

Thanks for your reply.

I'm on an Access course. Does that make any difference? The 'guides' I've looked at online don't specify university courses, they just say higher education.

An Access course isn't Higher Education, it's Further Education (Level 3). When you have completed your Access course and start a full time degree (if this is your plan) then you would be eligible to apply for the Parents Learning Allowance/ Childcare Grant. Sorry.

narabanekeater

OP There is a new grant starting next month
Im just about to go to take mt DD to school I will Pm you in about an hour

Oldernotwiser

narabanekeater wrote: »

OP There is a new grant starting next month
Im just about to go to take mt DD to school I will Pm you in about an hour

If you have new information you should post it on the board rather than by pm. How on earth is anyone going to find out about things if you give information privately?

What new grant are you talking about?

narabanekeater

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/DG_172003
Try that link
there was no need to be rude about it when I was trying to help someone