Help with paying for access course, is there any?

Dontknowanymore

Hi
I want to apply for an access course, it's the 'access diploma - health and social care proffessions'. http://www.centralsussex.ac.uk/courses/1843/access%20diploma%20-%20health%20&%20social%20care%20professions

Now the website states the course costs £680 which I would be willing to pay but as I'm a lone parent on income support at the moment this is going to be hard to pay it up front.

I can't seem to find a definitive answer as to the help I could receive, I was told a few months back that the government is pulling consessions for people on benefits, is this true?
Then I speak to the same college the other day who tell me I can get funding for the cost of the course and possible help for childcare if needed. My youngest is not 3 yet so childcare would be needed for the 2 days a week.

Basically what I was wondering is, would I be able to access help to pay towards fees and childcare and would I still be able to continue claiming income support whilst studying. Also if I was to get a part time hospital job whilst studying would that affect anything?

Oh also I do have an NVQ level 2 in health and social care, not sure of that makes a difference to any possible funding.

I know it's ages until September but I want to make sure I'm as prepared as possible.

stephyt23

Speak to your college. When I did my Access course to get into education it was free as it was my first level 3 qualification. That was 4 years ago so not sure if things have changed since then but worth asking about if you haven't already.

Oldernotwiser

stephyt23 wrote: »

Speak to your college. When I did my Access course to get into education it was free as it was my first level 3 qualification. That was 4 years ago so not sure if things have changed since then but worth asking about if you haven't already.

Automatic funding for level 3 courses is dependent on the student being under 25.

OP, your college may offer a fee waiver for students on means tested benefits as it sounds from what you've been told. You can also stay on IS as long as your youngest child is under 5.

If your college has told you that funding's available, including childcare, then I'd just be happy that this is the case and hope it doesn't change before September.

Dontknowanymore

Thank you for your replies, I'm almost 28 and my youngest is almost 3.
Well I will apply and hope it doesn't change.

Dontknowanymore

Just thought I would update.
After a lot of research and thinking I decided to apply for hairdressing instead, quite a change I know!
I just phoned the college again and as far as they can say right now is there is a fund that I can apply to, LSF? Which could help me to pay towards the cost of the course but not all of it, but I can spread the rest over a couple of months.
I wont be in a priority group for funding though as priority will go to those on JSA and ESA. Pants but even if I can get a few hundred to go towards it it will all help, I'm going to start saving now. I also have the equipment to pay for too!
They are also not able to say if I would be able to get funding for childcare but I'm hoping with a bit of jigging about with the free 15 hours and my Mum and the ex's family we will be able to cover it!
So basically everyone is in limbo until the goverment makes their decisions.
I've submitted my application so now I'm just going to wait and save.

Oldernotwiser

I'd make an urgent appointment for careers advice if you can't decide between hairdressing and doing an Access course and you're making such a big decision based solely on your immediate financial situation.

Dontknowanymore

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I'd make an urgent appointment for careers advice if you can't decide between hairdressing and doing an Access course and you're making such a big decision based solely on your immediate financial situation.

It's not based soley on finances????
I don't need urgent careers advice, hairdressing is always something I have been interested in but due to almost no self confidence I never went for it.
An access course just seemesd the way to go because of my healthcare background but what is the point in doing something because it's what I know.
I want to specialise in Afro hair, not many mobile afro hair stylists about these days
I was updating to try and help others, not for you to stick your nose in and judge my decisions but thanks all the same

popadom

Dontknowanymore wrote: »

It's not based soley on finances????
I don't need urgent careers advice, hairdressing is always something I have been interested in but due to almost no self confidence I never went for it.
An access course just seemesd the way to go because of my healthcare background but what is the point in doing something because it's what I know.
I want to specialise in Afro hair, not many mobile afro hair stylists about these days
I was updating to try and help others, not for you to stick your nose in and judge my decisions but thanks all the same

I dont think they were "sticking their nose in", just saying its big choice to base just on income. You may end up regreting it. No need to be snappy, or in future people will avoid offering help. Good luck anyway-you'll need it on an Access course

Dontknowanymore

popadom wrote: »

I dont think they were "sticking their nose in", just saying its big choice to base just on income. You may end up regreting it. No need to be snappy, or in future people will avoid offering help. Good luck anyway-you'll need it on an Access course

I'm not basing changing my choice based on income though. Wether I get funding or not I'm still going to do the course, I can save until September then any remaining costs can be paid by the end of October, the course is £515 and the equipment is about £300, me Mum said if I get on it she will pay half towards the equipment anyway. The college said they have a discretionary fund of up to £500 so I should be able to receive some sort of help.

ONW has a habit of sitting on their high horse, and yes I was snappy but I did not ask for advice on my choice of course, just the finance aspect, and quite frankly I'm sick of seeing it all over these boards, people thinkin they have the right to critisise others choices.

Thanks, I wont need luck for the access course as I am definately not doing it, but I possibly will if I am in a class room full of 16/17 year olds :rotfl:Apparently I look about 16 so I should blend in!

Oldernotwiser

Dontknowanymore wrote: »

ONW has a habit of sitting on their high horse, and yes I was snappy but I did not ask for advice on my choice of course, just the finance aspect, and quite frankly I'm sick of seeing it all over these boards, people thinkin they have the right to critisise others choices.

As a retired Careers Adviser, suggesting that you need careers advice was meant very positively.

When someone is talking one day about doing an Access course/degree and the next day has decided on hairdressing, it immediately throws up warnings as to their thinking on their future and suggests that they could do with professional help to assess this.

I'm sure you'll be very suited to hairdressing, good luck.