I can't afford childcare while studying :-(

[SilveryMoon]

I've decided to study in order to improve my career prospects.

I've looked everywhere for funding for childcare whilst I study, but I don't seem to qualify

What to do now.....?

What do you mean when you say you don't qualify? What's the course?

night classes? open university?

OU? I have a similar problem, I am just going to try and do what I can until youngest is 5, though even alot of degrees you can do at home now and if you are on some benefits you get it fully or partially funded.

Well, the college will pay for the course, but they can't help with childcare because I don't claim benefits.
I live with my partner, he earns over £20,000, and I am not classed as a young parent.

I did look into home study, but again it's the cost.....

Does the college have an access fund?

An access fund? What's that?
I spoke to the college today and they said althoigh they can pay for the course, they can't help with childcare becase I don't claim benefits

I don't know if colleges have them, universities do though. It's a fund for people who have additional costs that are not covered by their student loan/grant.

Why can't your bloke pay?
It's what other people do-pay out of family funds.

If we had the money in our family funds moondog that's obviously what we would do.
But we do not. We cannot afford to pay the bills, mortgage, eat etc and pay for someone else to look after the children.

Study at night or in your free time then.

But then I pay for the course, so it all works out pretty much the same doesn't it? I have to tap into funds we do not have.
It's just a waste of time, maybe I'm doomed to be a SAHM for a long time

Could you not wait until your children are at school?

Looks like I'll have to! Was hoping to be able to do something before then as I'm finding I need time away from them and I need to do something for myself. I have spent a lot of time looking through things, thinking about what I wanted to do etc and now am really disappointed that I won't be able to do it.

So do many people SM.
That's the way it is.
I've just paid out over £4000 to do an MSc. had to fit it in around f/t work and kids and with dh abroad.

The OU will let you pay for your course in instalments, and it sounds like you might be eligible for 'financial assistance'; check here

But it wouldn't give you time away from the kids, you'd have to squeeze it in on top of everything else, which can be a right pain (am struggling through one myself at the minute)

Thanks THOS Will have a look at your link now. Thanks for your help

I know how you feel as i was in the same position. But unfortunately moondog is right. I am now going back to college full time but i am a qualified hairdresser so am going to do home hair to pay bills in the evening. I did hairdressing when i was a single mother part time in the evening and it was hard. I got the course funded and got my mother to help childmind for me after some pleading so maybe you can try your family. But once i moved in with my partner who earns a decent wage but not enough for me to train, i had to wait. My children are now 8 and 6 and i use the after school club facilities, and all our savings to learn. It will take me eight years to qualify. Its never easy, see if you can do swappsies with other mums, family or learn in the evening. I know its hard, i knew no-one to swap with as was not a play group mummy and my family are crap at helping, but my mum agreed to one evening a week in return for free hair cuts and colour.

Just signed up for an OU course. Haven't told dp yet, but am going to do the register now pay later bit. That side of their website is down atm so will have to call them in the morning

Well done you! Best of luck with it