I've been declined funding for childcare whilst studying and i'm in deep Shoite.

[fairyfly]

I am currently at college studying a diploma ( art foundation). I am in three days a week and next week my children were due to start going to after school club. The college funds this but money has run out and they will not be giving me any.
I cannot afford it.
The only conclusion i can come to is i am going to have to drop out. Any ideas?

[Toothache]

Jings!
So because you weren't quick enough off the mark and they don't have enough money.... you will have to drop out???? Have you told them this??

Student Loans? Access Loans? Fair enough you will have to pay them back, but only a tiny amount per month once you can afford to.

[fairyfly]

Cant get a loan until next year. They decided in May apparently they weren't funding Afterschool clubs anymore. just forgot to inform everyone i have spoke to.

[suzywong]

nothing practical but a manly pat on the shoulder and a consolaory Gin xxxx

[oliveoil]

Do they have such a thing as a hardship fund type thing, or sponsors that can cover this?

Is there a Student Advisor you can speak to?

How much are you talking (if that is not a rude Q)?

[fairyfly]

Been on the phone all morning to student support, job cenre, teachers, everyone. The most i can get is my f'ing bus fare paid. Just the way the college works. It's about £80 a week. I can't believe they let me settle in and enrol to tell me this after.
Do you know what, to get yourself out of a financial position and off benefits is made so difficult and if you do manage to dig yourself out you'll probably be on crack from all the days of stress like this one.
All i want to do is a degree so i can eventually support my kids properly, it's like some mental health challenge see who cracks up first.
Why don't they just tell me to give up and stay on the dole.
Rant over.

[Redtartanlass]

fairyfly - phone your local Learning & Skills Council, they fund Colleges and are responsible for planning and funding education and
training for everyone. They should know of any other funding avaialble in your couny. National Number 0870 900 6800.

Also try this Surestart link especailly for students \link{http://www.surestart.gov.uk/surestartservices/support/helpwithchildcarecosts/studentsupport/here}

good luck

[Redtartanlass]

whoops Also try this Surestart link especailly for students here

[expatinscotland]

Damn, FF! Don't have anything to add except to wish you luck and hope it works out for ya.

I know what you mean, though - you do your best to better yourself and all you get are obstacles.

[fairyfly]

Thanks tartan, i will look at it all, lovely of you

[fairyfly]

Ha, it is my year after all. The teacher says i can go in everyday, work through my dinner hour and leave at two. Thank the lord, the top is back on the Gin.

[oliveoil]

Sorry, don't understand, does this mean everything is ok now. Bit thick me.

[fairyfly]

Wel my course is three days a week and i get home too late to pick my boys up from school. This way i go in everyday, work through my dinner hour and can leave to be in time for the kids. So no need for after school care. So yep everything is fine and my head is an absolute star for letting me do this.

[Aimsmum]

Message withdrawn

[GeraldGiraffe]

hurrah!
oh thats fab. And you know if you do ever need to stay later for whatever reason (you wanted some lunch....) then I will pick the boys up for you.

[fairyfly]

Thanks Aimsmum and expat and thankyou GG, likewise.

[cod]

Message withdrawn

[fairyfly]

What don't you get, oh nevermind, it's not important anymore.

[GeraldGiraffe]

Cod, she's saying that the reason she needed the afterschool care in the first place was that the lectures/sessions /whatever finished too late for her to pick up the kids from school. So they have said she can make up the time in lunch, meaning she can go home early and pick the children up, all being hunky dory now (except for when you miss the train FF, but thats another story.....)

[GeraldGiraffe]

ar, the top was off the gin here last night FF;)

[fairyfly]

Love your positivity Giraffe. It's inspiring.

Were you drinking gin, is it because you didn't get laid?

[Papillon]

Any jobs available at college so you could make some extra money without the travel hassle?

[oliveoil]

Penny has dropped now FF, sorry. Agree on looking into other options as well just in case it gets too much, would you prefer to still do 3 days?

[fairyfly]

Can't afford to work i will then have to drop my benefits, pay rent, council tax, pay childcare, all impossible on a part time job.

Just reading it all now, im fine going in every day, anything to get it done. Will keep asking questions and reading though to see if there is a better alternative.

[Beanfrog]

Elizabeth Nuffield Education Fund may be able to help.
Its a charity that helps support women in education I think they have a grants to help with child care costs