mums whom are students....

mumslave

I wonder if any mum students might be able to advise...As you can see from my signature i am about to be mum to four children, my final child due in feb [hubs having snip!]. I will be honest and say my first two were unplanned, I did fairly well at school but chose to leave at sixteen for a job a teacher put me forward for, office junior then accounting. I left with 9 A-B level gcses.

Anyways job didnt work out,i was bullied by the other office ladies and finally left after two years of it. I did some caring for a few years then met hubs and first two came along. Third and fourth babies we decided to try for, various reasons.

Now though, my thoughts are turning to career again, obviously i will be returning to work at some stage in the next few years.

I would really like to study, either to be a midwife, or something to do with IT. Very different fields i know. But...I have absolutely no idea how to get started. My eldest child doesnt start school till august this year, the kids are aged 4, 3 and 1. I have looked after them every single day bar labours, there is noone else to do it and i have no idea about child care or costs. Could i do something from home? Would I have good enough grades to do a proper course as such or need to work ar getting some highers first? Any advice would be great, I did try phoning my local college, but keep getting answer phones!

Oldernotwiser

mumslave wrote: »

Now though, my thoughts are turning to career again, obviously i will be returning to work at some stage in the next few years.

I would really like to study, either to be a midwife, or something to do with IT. Very different fields i know. But...I have absolutely no idea how to get started. My eldest child doesnt start school till august this year, the kids are aged 4, 3 and 1. I have looked after them every single day bar labours, there is noone else to do it and i have no idea about child care or costs. Could i do something from home? Would I have good enough grades to do a proper course as such or need to work ar getting some highers first? Any advice would be great, I did try phoning my local college, but keep getting answer phones!

If you want to study from home, then your best bet would be with the OU, who offer IT degrees, but obviously not Midwifery. You could start this with the qualifications you have at the present. If you want to go to a traditional university (which you would have to do for Midwifery) then you need to look at doing an Access course, or offering part of an OU degree as an entry qualification.

As you're undecided between two such different fields, I think that you would benefit from professional careers guidance rather than other people's experiences. Careers Scotland is an all age guidance service so I would start by making an appointment with them, before making any other plans, although you could have a look at the OU website as well as your local college's, so that you know what's available.

mumslave

Overall i think i could say i would prefer IT, being a midwife seems lovely, but seriously I dont know how lovely it would be when dealing with still birth etc, I am not sure about that side of it. Thanks for the advice, I will wait for new year to pass then give Careers Scotland a call. I just need a bit of a stepping stone to get me started on the right track.

Oldernotwiser

mumslave wrote: »

Overall i think i could say i would prefer IT, being a midwife seems lovely, but seriously I dont know how lovely it would be when dealing with still birth etc, I am not sure about that side of it. Thanks for the advice, I will wait for new year to pass then give Careers Scotland a call. I just need a bit of a stepping stone to get me started on the right track.

Do have a look at the OU website while you're waiting as it will either inspire or petrify you! Also give some thought to employment opportunities after you get a degree; it pays to look ahead before committing yourself.

mumslave

Yes thats a good point i know there is a demand for midwives, not so sure about IT. I did have a look at OU a year or so ago but was a bit confused by the points system. Will do my research though. I just cant see a way i could attend a college with so many young children, so from home looks the best option.

gunsandbanjos

I'm a student and a mum. Left school 10 years ago with 5 highers and 2 CSYS (now advanced higher) all pretty good grades. Did a refresher course with the OU who are great. Now in 2nd year of MSc in Maths. Would definitely recommend the OU. Not sure i can advise on childcare/costs etc as i'm in Scotland and our system is quite different to yours.

mumslave

ah but then i am in the highlands I was accepted for a 200 a year grant for the ila last year and wondered about getting some highers, but if i can possibly start a full course instead i would prefer that.

gunsandbanjos

mumslave wrote: »

ah but then i am in the highlands I was accepted for a 200 a year grant for the ila last year and wondered about getting some highers, but if i can possibly start a full course instead i would prefer that.

In that case i may be able to help:p When i did my OU course it was fully funded as i received working/child tax credit. Definitely worth looking into as OU courses are very expensive.

Floxxie

I've paid for my OU courses using Tesco Clubcard points.

Mumslave, I would recommend the OU; if you check on their site, it may provide some of the answers you are after in terms of funding.

I have three children at home and it is a struggle to find the time to sit down and study. However it is a bliss to be able to switch off from being a full time mum and apply my brain to my studies! I actually went into labour with my youngest whilst writing an assignment and I couldn't get in contact with my tutor to get an extension. Managed to get 86% in that one and a little boy

Good luck with the new baby and any future studying.

RosaBernicia

Have a look at the NHS Careers info http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=120

(I know nowt about IT so can't help you there I'm afraid )

I understand there is still a shortage of midwives at the moment so you would probably be much in demand if you do choose this route.

I know some colleges offer a creche for students with kids but don't know the details - it might be worth checking with your nearest possibility. Also I think there are NHS bursaries available for some healthcare courses and that could be worth looking into if it would help?

Good luck

Rosa xx

fuzzybear01

You would need to do an access course or A levels to get into midwifery, if you were to consider nursing then you may be able to get in with your GCSEs