Considering college where to start?

mad_bad_spender

Hope this is in the right place!
I am looking to start college this year to do an HNC in childcare but have no idea whether we can afford this or not.. Looking for some help!! Have no idea what i would be entitled to? It is going to mean some childcare but also me losing my wages so I am a bit worried about taking a step back.
Hoping someone can point me in the right direction!

patwa_2

Hi. Sorry to ask this, but are you starting College out of high school or as a 'mature student'?

Going from my own experience, Careers Scotland are the best people to speak to about this, rather than individual colleges, at least initially. They have established links with most of the colleges in Scotland, and are also very good at talking you through the options, helping you decide on what to do and where to go, putting you in touch with the right people in the right places, and even going as far as coming with you to the College in question. Their 'package' is really quite top rate.

As for childcare, again you could speak to Careers Scotland, failing that maybe the Citizen's Advice Bureau. I would steer clear of Social Work or anyone like that, as in my experience they are too stretched in terms of budget and staff, and this has, in recent years, really diminished their quality of service. Also, Social Work and Education just don't seem to mix on an administrative and logitcial level.

Hope that helps, cheers and take care.

Hussein.

mad_bad_spender

Oh mature student. That makes me feel really old! Got three kids and am currently a registered childminder. I have never been to college before so dont know where to start so thanks for your help!:A

patwa_2

Hello. LOL, didn't mean to offend. I just realised that I assumed you were in Scotland without actually asking, so my advice before may not actually even be relevant. In this case, I'd recommend approaching the equivilant authority wherever you're living (England and Wales or Northern Ireland). They will be able to help you as to where to start re: further education. Also, the Citizen's Advice Bureau will be able to give you help without opening an entire case file on you and getting bogged down with admin issues, as will most likely happen if you go through state systems. I assume that you'd like to keep your options open, and this wouldmean not limiting yourself to only one course of action.

Good luck and take care.

lovemystudentloan

Good for you, go girl! If you're on a low income and have no A' levels you can apply for an Adult Learning grant, worth up to £30 a week. If you do have A levels, you can do a number of NHS courses such as child nursing, occupational therapy, mental health etc. It may not be what you originally intended but they pay a good bursary including child care costs and additonal payments if you're over 26 which rise with your age until 31 yrs. I receive £5300 a year which means £440 a month for doing medical imaging (x-raying) and at the end of it I'll have an internationally recognised degree. Also, you get 25% discount on council tax if you and your partner are the only adults in your home and one of you is in full time education from A level to degree level. We pay no council tax because hubby and me are both at uni. You can also apply for a student loan which you do not repay until you earn £15,000 a year, and perhaps if the kids are in school you could work a few hours a week to earn some extra cash. Hope this helps.

Savvy_Sue

Your local Children's Information Service or Ofsted may also be good places to look. I know round here there are various incentives to train people interested in childcare so hopefully it should be possible to find information relatively easily!

mad_bad_spender

patwa; am in scotland so thanks for all your help.

patwa_2

No problem. Happy to help.

Cheers and take care.

Hussein.