No more 30 hours free childcare

[tipiipit]

Not an AIBU but I'm in a right state and just needed somewhere to come to cry basically

I'm a single mum to a 3 year old, expecting a baby in April too.

Won't be getting maternity pay as haven't been in my current job long enough, so saved up lots of money and I also get a student loan.

Have just found out my 3 YO will no longer be eligible for 30 hours free childcare once I finish at work.

I'm absolutely heartbroken cannot stop crying. I just presumed he'd continue to get 30 hours free I had no idea that you had to be in employment. Feeling like an idiot. A very poor idiot. No idea what to do. (Was planning on staying at uni after baby was born, taking baby in with me when I could and 3YO going to nursery. But now I can't afford for him to go to nursery, but if I can't go to uni I won't get a student loan which means I have no money. I know a few people who take babies into classes but I couldn't take my 3YO that wouldn't be fair on anyone.)

What am I going to do

I receive loans through student finance for childcare for my four year old, speak to student finance

Your university might either have childcare onsite or access to discounted care. Open Uni does.

The sensible solution would be to return to work so you can support the chidren and yourself, not start uni and then look at the OU once you are settled as you can do that around work. Wanting to be a student with two chidren and no job is madness.

It's not fair to take a child with you to uni, others are paying a huge amount to attend and don't want to be distracted by a baby. I'd be complaining to the uni as it's highly inappropriate.