Care to Learn
If you’re a parent under 20 and have one or more children, Care to Learn can help you with your childcare and travel costs to help you continue your education or training.
Under this scheme you may be entitled to get help to pay for your childcare (that is Ofsted registered) and the costs of travel from home to the childcare provider.
To find out if you are eligible contact the Learner Support Service on 0800 121 8989.
Child Tax Credit
How much Child Tax Credit you get depends on your circumstances and how much you earn. If you are working 16 hours or more while you are learning, you may be eligible. Call the Tax Credits Helpdesk on 0845 300 3900 or visit HMRC online
New deal for lone parents (sometimes called Flexible New Deal)
This is aimed at single parents needing childcare so they can access training or education.
If you are a lone parent, your youngest child is under 16 years old and you are either not working or working less than 16 hours per week, you can get help under the New Deal for Lone Parents scheme.
A Personal Advisor at Job Centre Plus will be able to tell you about any funding that you are entitled to when it comes to training and course fees, travel and childcare costs.
Contact Jobcentre Plus on 0800 868 868 or find information about the New Deal for Lone Parents online.
Career Development Loan (CDL)
If you are 18 or over and planning on doing a vocational course, you can apply for a CDL to cover the cost of course fees, as well as other expenses such as childcare. The loan covers 2 years of study, plus a year’s practical experience.
The loan is prearranged between a number of high street banks and the Learning and Skills Council and you do not have to pay this back until after you have completed the course.
A Career Development Loan may affect your benefit entitlements so you may need to contact your benefits advisor at Job Centre Plus before applying.
Further information about Career Development Loans is available from a CDL advisor on 0800 585 505.
NHS Childcare Allowance
If you are an existing or new NHS Bursary funded student, you may be able to get help with your childcare costs through the NHS bursary by applying for the Childcare Allowance.
If you are receiving this allowance, you cannot apply for the Childcare Element of Working Tax Credits.
Students can check their eligibility for help with childcare costs by calling 0845 358 6655, or by visiting the NHS student bursaries website
Educational trusts and charities
There a lots of organisations that offer help with childcare costs. They will assess your situation before making a decision, so check it’s important that you check your eligibility before you apply.
Check your local library for the Educational Grants Directory, The Grants Register, or The Charities Digest.
Alternatively, the Educational Grants Advisory Service can direct students to charitable organisations that offer funding and answer any related queries.
College and University Funding
Every year the Government gives colleges a limited amount of money to provide help to students facing financial difficulties. This money is designed to provide extra support to students so that they can successfully complete their studies.
If you’re a parent in full time higher education, you may be able to get extra financial help in addition to the standard student finance package.
These schemes are available through the Student Services department of your local college or university and include
Further Information and contacting us
For further information or to speak to someone on a one to one basis, contact us on the details below.
Phone
0800 952 5678 (freephone)
0116 225 4890 (local rate)
Online
Email: family@leicester.gov.uk
Website: http://families.leicester.gov.uk/
