Help with childcare whilst studying

voixdeville

Hi,

I was wondering whether I could ask some advice please: I’m about to start a 16 week course learning to code (computers) - with a guaranteed job at the end of it.

I have two children one is in school, but the other is in nursery for three days a week – the cost is £477 a month.

I am just trying to decide the best course of action financially whilst I am training. I have looked at the option of universal credit, but as I am not working during this period I would not be able to claim back my childcare expenses via universal credit.

The other option is for me to attempt to work around the course – which would not really be easy but could be an option.

I was wondering if anyone knows of any other grants, bursaries or financial assistance that I could apply for during this period which would assist me with my childcare costs?

Thank you very much for your help

Jillanddy

Sorry, I can't help with the question, but I would suggest that if you need an income going forward that  you don't give up whatever job you currently have to undertake this training. It might be difficult to work around, but it will be even more difficult if the plans don't play out as you expect them too. I say this because I have come across quite a few of these "guaranteed job at the end of training" schemes, and more than a few are not what they appear to be. 

And the other thing people are bound to ask is whether dad is working because household income will be relevant, not just what you earn or don't earn. 

voixdeville

Hi, thank you for your concern, but it is a reputable course. Also, I don’t have a job at the moment – so I don’t have any choice. I also didn’t leave my last job – the job finished, so I had no choice but to cease working there. My partner does work – but is on a low income. Thank you

theoretica

Do the course providers have any suggestions?  Local colleges often know about this.

Could your partner claim anything towards the childcare?

74jax

Is the guaranteed job at the end subject to anything? I'm just wondering how they can guarantee something 4 months ahead, especially in such a volatile period? 

Do you get any costs for the training reimbursed? Travel for example, just trying to see how our of pocket you might be.  I am guessing you'll be a student so can get a student discount card? 

Are the hours for the course set, or flexible? Could you zoom the class, with code a lot will be independent work, so that might be a possibility. 

As I read it, your children are already in school and nursery is that right? How old is the nursery child, do you make use of the free nursery hours? You can get up to 30 a week in some cases.

voixdeville

Hi, Sorry, I think the word ‘guaranteed’ is slightly incorrect.  85% of graduates from previous cohorts have been employed immediately. The funding model of the course is that the eventual employer will pay for the student’s training retrospectively. The training is targeting an area in which there is a skills gap which needs to be filled (particularly post pandemic).

As a result, the course is free for the student undertaking it. The course is done remotely full-time.

My ‘nursery’ aged child is 10 months old.

Thanks

voixdeville

theoretica said:

Do the course providers have any suggestions?  Local colleges often know about this.

Could your partner claim anything towards the childcare?

I have also contacted my college to ask them for more information on this subject. No, unfortunately my partner would not be able to claim anything – I have already checked this out. In terms of Universal credit we both need to be working in order to claim anything towards childcare. Thank you very much

Spendless

Years ago in a similar position, my husband claimed childcare vouchers via his employer to reduce the cost. I don't even know if this scheme is available nowadays and my husband earned enough that he wasn't putting himself below min wage in having them.

Are you not entitled to universal credit at all (I appreciate you don't meet criteria for childcare help). Other than that it's cut costs in the house or find part time work around the course and childcare obligations.