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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

I am surprised I do not know the answer to this re childcare and education...

8 replies

hobbgoblin · 29/03/2009 17:17

Is there any support for childcare that would enable Further Education?

I'm considering going back to complete my OU degree as I dropped out when I fled domestic abuse. I will have 4 DC as a lone parent come next September, 4 will be in school. I am thinking of not returning to work after Maternity leave or at least going back part time so I'm wondering if Tax Credits or similar would cover Full or Part Time Education in terms of paying for childcare so I could go to study sessions/exams, etc.

Anyone know?

OP posts:
Original poster
hobbgoblin · 30/03/2009 00:13

bumping for self

OP posts:
lisad123 · 30/03/2009 00:18

it would depend on your whole things like wages ect, but yes I think you would get some help. A lot of schools have afterchools clubs or a CM would be fine.

sunshineandshowers · 31/03/2009 14:49

Ring the OU. They are normally very helpful. I am almost sure you will get something. OU is brilliant. Good Luck.

scrooged · 31/03/2009 14:52

You can only get the childcare element of tax credits if you are working more then 16 hours, you are allowed to study aswell. If you went to a Uni the LEA would pay for the childcare, I don't know about the OU though, they can advise you.

TheFallenMadonna · 31/03/2009 14:59

There aren't many things to go to with the OU. It's mostly home study.

Original poster
hobbgoblin · 31/03/2009 19:10

Thanks for these replies. I meant to phone OU today but had too much other stuff to do so will try tomorrow.

I started an OU degree years ago and only had a handful of study sessions to attend but I'd still need childcare to cover it as with 4 children it would be difficult to find a babysitter during the day ad hoc so part time after school/day care would be useful and would allow me to do some day study too. Wishful thinking probably. 4 hours a week would be great because then I could use that 4 hours to go to study sessions when they came up and personal study each week in between and thereby have a regular slot with a childminder instead of relying on ad hoc arangements.

I want to complete more of my Psychology study but maybe add Philosophy too...

OP posts:
cornsilk · 31/03/2009 19:12

My niece has been studying and is going to University in Sept. She gets a free nursery place for her child, so it must be available.

TheFallenMadonna · 31/03/2009 19:13

But all my tutorials were in the evenings or at weekends, so finding childcare to cover those would still be a struggle I think. Tricky. You might well be better off at a traditional university even.

I did Pychology btw. Loved it.

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