Help with Childcare Costs

16-19: Care to Learn

Care to Learn (C2L) provides funding for childcare to help young parents (defined as those aged under 20) continue in education after the birth of a child.

The scheme provides funding for childcare whilst the young parent is engaged in a study programme and is not able to provide care for their child.

It can also help the young parent with any additional travel costs involved in taking the child to the childcare provider.

C2L can also provide funding for childcare whilst young parents are on work placements or industry placements.

To apply for this funding you will need to be the main carer for the child and provide evidence that you are in receipt of their child benefit.

Residency criteria also applies.

Students completing FE courses and Community courses may be eligible for C2L Support.

C2L will pay towards the cost of childcare up to a maximum of £180 per child per week.

Children must be attending an Ofsted registered Childcare Provision and evidence of this status will be required.

Payment will be made directly to childcare providers.

Contact Student Funding to make your application in person.

20+ Learner Support Fund Childcare Grant

A Learner Support Fund Childcare Grant can help you pay for your childcare costs while you study at college if you’re 20 years old or more.

All payments will be made straight to your childcare provider.

You must keep attending your course for the payments to be made.

To apply, you need to:

be aged 20 or over on the day your course starts
be the primary carer of your child(ren) and not have a partner at home who can take care of your child(ren) while you study
have a gross household income of £50,000 or under
be using an OFSTED registered childcare provider
not be receiving the Childcare Element of Working Tax Credits/Universal credit