To wonder wtf the government expects single parents to do?

[RocksThatIGot]

I have just been given a place on an access course, as I want to study to become a social worker. I am a single mum to two dc, and I have had a nightmare few years having been in an emotionally abusive relationship, and subsequently had to go to court several times (13 and counting) to face my abusive ex. So I have been earning money where I can but the court thing has taken over my life for the last 18 months or so and because of legal aid taking any money I do earn in contributions, it just hasn't made any sense to earn money, especially with the stress of what has been going on.

I am aware of the changes coming to benefits with the universal credit, which it seems are going to adversely affect the lone parents who are self employed, like me! So I have applied to college as I have inspired by the social workers dealing with my court case, and I want to be able to give my dc a better life. I know it will be a long slog with 4 years of study, but I am determined to do it.

So I just got a place at college, and went to see about getting financial help with childcare and travel costs (the nearest college doing the course I need is 40 miles away). And it turns out that, guess what, the government has scrapped all that financial help, as of this year! I have been told that i can apply to the college for a bursary but this is not going to be very much and unlikely to even cover half of my travel costs. So I have no idea how I am going to survive the year of this course. I'm just so angry that the government are doing everything they can to make it impossible for people to be on benefits, but at the same time they are making it impossible for single parents to study and get into employment! Am I missing something here?

I did a course through open study college. You can pay by installments or in full and sometimes there's 20% off some courses. It's a home study course but you have a tutor via email ready for you. It's helped me get 3 jobs. Although I am now in a completely different career but that's through choice and because I want to change my career. I'm in training at the moment, if I still want this job after training, they're starting me on my nvq 2.

Thanks pie I will have a look into that.

I really don't mean to sound harsh.

But what did you do before you had your DC?

Did you not think about getting yourself a career before having children, because obviously retraining while they are young is tough?

If you worked part time would you not get ctc and money towards the child care?

You sound rather entitled op "what does the government expect me to do", doesn't sound like they are expecting anything, rather you are in a huff because you expect the government to give you (more) freebies but they aren't forthcoming. Why is it the government's responsibility to fund you to change your life because you're unhappy with what you've made of it?

You chose to have children before obtaining time and money intensive training to do the career you want, why should the state (ie other workers) be responsible for looking after your kids etc because you are unhappy with your choice?

Oh, and its probably better to do some A-levels, you can do them by distance learning, and GCSE too if you don't already have them.

No offence to anyone, but all the feedback I have ever got about Access courses has been negative and not all uni's will accept them. One friend even said there were some people on her's who could barely read!

Op I'm just coming to the end of my aceess course (nursing not sw) and am also a single mum of 2. One of our tutors was telling us about changes to access from Sept, apparently there will be loans and grants available BUT, the course is 3 times the price, and not free for low income students like it was this year.
Most unis seem to accept access now, for sw too.

You know what - I HATE hearing people being 'entitled' and moaning about their choices - however I dont think that the OP is and I think some of you are being rather short sighted. People with little or no education will generally be in the lower paid jobs (with gov top ups) or on benefits (particularly single parents)- either way tax payers money will be used to support them. I for one would rather support someone for 3/4 years to gain an education and therefore a career in the long term then support them (and possibly their grown children due to poor role models etc) for the rest of their lives.

Sugarmouse I worked in offices before I had dc, and since dd1 was born I have been running my own business, which has kind of died a death since dd2 was born and all the dramas kicked off.

Ineed yes the course fees are now covered by a loan which only has to be paid back if you don't complete a degree, but there are no loans or anything for living costs and expenses. I wish there were because that would solve everything. I am not stamping my feet and demanding 'freebies', I would be more than happy to repay the money once I was in a position to do so, but the loans just aren't there.

rocks I hope it works out for you and I suspect it will fall into place in time, even if it doesn't happen as soon as you hope.

I'm a LP and work P/T and study via the OU. It's actually pretty crap as I'm permanently miserable and shouty but it might mean I can earn more in a few years time when the dc's are teenagers.

Thanks pie :)

Ahh ok, thanks. I didn't know what the loans were for, didn't really listen as it doesn't affect me

Well I wish you luck, and you will get there eventually!

Rocks - it will happen for you if you want it enough. I was a lone 16 year old parent with no qualifications. I was helped in going to college (which did masses for my self esteem) and some years later went on to Uni. I am now a SW earning 40K+ and as far as i am concerned i am 're paying my debt' to society. I can only imagine if i wasn't given that help that I would be sitting on benefits or in a low paid job.
I wish you all the luck

Thanks ineed and pie! Yes I will get there, determination isn't something I'm short of!

Yes you are a single parent and have responsibilities. However, I don't think you should have special circumstances if you want to study. There are thousands of students out there getting student loans for fees and maintenance, but they can do this because they don't have children. Life is cruel. Perhaps you have family who can support you. I often feel that success in life really is determined upon your parent's ability to support you both financially, practically and emotionally. I would start saving now as much as you can to vp over your costs.

Why an access course rather than degree? Is this in lieu of a levels?

In this country, it really does seem set up for people to leave school and do their education and training straight away. Those years from 18-23 really do determine ones path in life. Of course with graduate medicine this is changing, but ultimately doing a degree at the age of 18-21 is the most common age. Not necessarily right though because not everyone knows what is best for them at that stage.

Thepiewholoved. Who helped you get to college and uni?

If you really want it, then you will find a way. Rather than expect everyone else to do it for you you need to work maybe part time and study round that.

Nobody forced you to have children or to stop working at your SE business. They were choices you made. Most people study or train for a job before having children so that they are ready to support that choice.

Even if the state did cover your costs or loan them ti you there is no guarantee you will pass, get a job or even pay the money back as social work is not 9-5 so may not suit family life.

I thought there would be maintenance loans etc for social work degree. With unis do it?

Sleepy an access course is the equivalent of a levels, and is normally recommended by colleges as more suitable for mature students. also they tend to concentrate more on the subjects you need for uni. Ie, my access course does human biology. I think a level its all biology .

Can't you just get a student loan?

The OP has explained several times !! She needs to go to college before Uni. When she goes to Uni she will apply for and the loans and grants she will be entitled too - you CAN NOT GET THESE loans for college.

Sleepy a charity helped me out with child care fees / travel cost for college and I funded myself through uni.

Ok, fair point, seeing as these access courses are for mature students or those who have not been fortunate to have an education up to 18, I do agree a loan would be a sensible plan.

Sorry I think you are being a little bit unreasonable to expect the government to find you and DC for duration of a 4 year course. The time to do that sort of studying is before you have children. I have a dh with a good job and i couldn't afford that either - although possibly could manage when DC are older and don't need childcare. There are jobs where you can work your way up with on the job training - eg get job in an accounts dept and train as an accountant in evenings etc.

The OU is a good option and there is funding available if you are on a low income.

Damned if you do...damned if you don it would seem!