Single mum wanting to study!

[itsbeenarollercoaster]

Iv read a few posts on here about study so thought I would post here instead of education. Im looking to see if anyone (single parent) has done an access course.
Is it doable? How hard is it? Would you say anyone could do it?
No qualifications at all and have been out of work for hmm 20+ years.

have a go!
I started working in childcare, all new to me, so did NVQ Level 2 one evening a week
was fine

Do it! You'll meet loads of people in a similar position to you. Colleges and Universities are very supportive of people returning to education and you'll be amazed at how much you get out of it. Yes, it's a bit of a slog sometimes but it's also fun and really rewarding. I'm a uni lecturer and my mature students find that having a bit of life experience is a real bonus when it comes to studying. Also, if you can manage parenting, you've nothing to fear from studying. All the very best to you

Thanks wild and well done!
mrsmcv... Thankyou. I love the thought of doing it but heard its very hard and intense. Im a single parent and need a job that pays a reasonable wage. My dream job is to become a midwife but it very competative.
I feel its my last chance to study as my youngest starts school sept and I need to work. My choices right now are slim with no qualifications and being in my mid 30's.

Access courses are a great so is voluntary work Or doing a maths science or English class in the day to brush up on skills is good also, midwifery is very very tough to get in to, they want excellent grades, in the nearest uni to me they have over 1000 applicants every year for 50 places, also taking a job in a care home will give you some experience that will help your chances, good luck op

Thanks susie... Yes this Iv heard but Im thinking unless I try I will never know. People are saying do the nursing degree and then 18 months to become a midwife. As there are more nursing places but its not nursing I want. I should go for what I want right? It is scary the thought of having so much competition, when you want it so badly and at my age its my last chance.
If I do the access it will be full time I cant work aswell as I have 3 children and on my own. I was thinking of doing voluntary work a few hours a week, when and if I can fit it in.
Thankyou :)

Personally I agree with them about doing nursing first, there are alsorts of posts linked to women's health from ttc miscarriage ivf colposcopy gynae etc that require adult nursing that you may wish to practice in later on in your career, but I know some of the midwifery students I see only want to do midwifery and that's that they are very focused on that and nothing else so each to their own

Yeah I guess but Its the whole of midwifery thats appeals to me from the pregnancy to the birth. I have 3 daughters and each birth was different. My 2nd was the worst experience of my life. I went on to have a 3rd child. I was so prepared and the midwife was my inspiration and I remember thinking wow one person can make such a difference to one of the most amazing experiences of your life. I will never forget her.

I think you need to speak to your college about how you would support yourself if you did an access course.

My friend is a lp of a 2yo and doesn't work, her lone parent advisor at the job centre said they have a discretionary childcare fund for people wanting to go to college. Not sure if that would apply if your youngest is school age.

It wasn't financially viable for me to do an access course, so I registered for an Open Uni module and applied to a brick uni. They accepted me on the basis my grades were reasonable - it's not a nursing degree, but I also have no other qualifications. So you never know.

Thanks nice..Apparently there is a grant Im entitled to and the course is free as its full time.
I know that all uni's want the access to be able to apply.
I think this is my only route.

I don't know anything about the access courses but speak to your college/uni as they'll be able to help. I've just done my post grad teaching qualification - the most intense year ever and just wanted to tell you you can do it!! I'm a single parent with 2 dcs and no cotact with XH. I also worked evening shifts ina part time joba nd did my post grad with 4 school placements and am releived it's over but very proud that I made it!! Now I can support my dcs by myself and can be proud of myself!! I got a student loan, help with childacre from uni funds, a lone aprent bursary (£1000) and a mature student bursary (£1000). I'm in Scotland so may be different elsewhere. Good luck and go for it!!

Wow! makemineapinot this as a great post. Well done you! You should be so proud of yourself. I dont know how you managed it with no support and a job.
I love to hear from people like you as its proof it can be done, inspiring really.
Thankyou I do want to do it just so so scared.
Thanks good luck to you too :)

Thank you!! Think I should steal your MN name though!! I hve no idea how I did it - there were a few dodgy sundays when dc would ask when tea was - at 7pm and I hadn't fed them all day bt they were old enough to forage from the fridge/kitchen!! Just made loads of home made sopup/chilli/spag bol and froze it in 1 portion sizes in holidays - meant we ate ok all year and it was easy to do. Still feel slightly dazed by it all but I've done it and ...can I boast a little?!! I got th highest grades in my year!!! Whoohoo!! Just shows you that if you need it most you'll do it!!! We single mums are Super heroes!!

I don't know if I heard/read it wrong...but I think Student Finance will be available for Access Courses' from next year...they have not been eligible up to now.

Yes I bet its been a rollercoaster for you, but well worth it.
Bless your DC's will look up to you and be proud.
Well done on your grades. Boast all you want I know I would ;)
Yes we are def super heroes :)
Hi crazynanna. Im not sure what Student finance is? Could you tell me? I know I would be eligible for a grant anything up to 1500 for the year.

student finance

Up to now,I don't think you could get maintainence,c/care etc fpr Access Courses...but I believe (not 100%) that from next year,you can. Worth checking out

Thanks crazynanna :)
Iv just had a look and its says something about having to pay anything up to 9k for a full time course also. The repaying it 4 years after you qualify.
I may have it wrong.

Yes you start monthly repayments when you reach a certain wage bracket when you go into employment.

DD1 has just finished her Access Course, and was asked to do an interview for the Guardian regarding the new decision for the finance becoming available for Access Courses from next year...that is how I heard about it. (she didn;t do the interview as she was away though)

I've nearly completed my access course, and have got a place to do nursing. You are right when you say that midwifery is very very competitive. Only one person on my course has got a place for midwifery .
However, a couple of people who initially applied for midwifery but didn't get in, contacted one if the unis direct, and were told it was ok to reapply, with a new personal statement, for nursing, and have been accepted to start this year. They will then do the conversion course. I think they told the uni that they had changed their mind and preferred to do nursing, so that's always an option. Good luck!

With nursing and midwifery, the NHS pays your tuition fees, so no need to pay the 9 grand!!

Ok I see. It says 3,500 finance if your income is lower than 25k so that will be me. Then anything up to 9k for the course. I would rather not have the 9k loan. I dont see how I will be able to pay this back.
Uni fees are usually free when you do a dgree in nursing/midwifery I wonder if this is going to change.

Thanks Procrastinate. How are you finding it and well done on your placement. Where are you going to study. They were very lucky to re do their personal statements and get a place.
Oh thats good about the NHS but with the access I will have to pay??

I had to pay for the access, it was £135 when enrolling, then you could pay the rest in instalments. I got 70% discount because they have a hardship fund, so had to provide bank statements etc.
I'm going to manchester or mmu depending on my results from the access. The people who re-did their statements got accepted at salford, where would you be looking to go.
Also you probably need to apply for the access now if you want to start this year!

How much all together did yu pay if you dont mind me asking. Im a single parent on benefits so money is very tight.
I would apply to Cardiff, Glammorgan, Bristol maybe. Swansea could be an option but its about 45mins drive away and I have to think about placement.
Im going to an info day on the 19th of june. Im hoping they havnt made decisions yet and there are still places.

Sorry I can't remember how much it was exactly, because I paid the remainder in instalments, but it was about £150 on top of the £135, but it will probably be completely different at your local college. I work part-time, so maybe you wouldn't have to pay as much. Why don't you email/phone the college now and ask for some more info and whether there are places left, you really need to speak to someone, as you may also need GCSE maths and english, but this varies from uni to uni.

Its half term this week. Oh I guess they will still be there though, not sure.
I will call now thanks :)