Childcare Funding

There are various funding channels available to help students with the cost of childcare, each with their own eligibility criteria. Please choose the funding relevant to you and carefully read the guidance notes attached.

Childcare from the Learner Support Fund

You could get support from Learner Support Fund if:

  • You are classed as a ‘home student’
  • Are enrolled on an ESFA funded course
  • Your household income is below £25,000
  • Or you are claiming a means tested benefit
  • And you are unable to access other childcare support (e.g. other parent or family members, government funding)

Childcare from the Advanced Learner Loan Bursary

  • You must be in receipt of an Advanced Learner Loan
  • Be classed as a ‘home student’
  • Are enrolled onto an ESFA funded course
  • Your household income is below £25,000;
  • Or, you are claiming a means tested benefit;
  • And, you are unable to access any other childcare support E.g. other parent, family members or government funding.

Care to Learn

You could get support from Care to Learn if:

  • You’re a parent under the age of 20 at the start of your course
  • You’re the main carer for your child and in receipt of Child Benefit.
  • Your child’s other parent is unable to provide childcare
  • You live in England
  • You’re either a British Citizen or a National of a European Economic Area (EEA) country. (Migrants outside EEA please see a member of the Student Funding Team)

Care to Learn, Government website

When can I apply?

You will only be able to apply once you have started at college. Full details will be given on your first day by your tutor.

Apply here