Going Back to College - Finance Issues...

[mankymummy]

Hi, I am an LP on income support. I intend to go back to college 2.5 days a week from September and am hoping to get financial assistance with nursery costs.

My question is does anyone know whether if I get funding for the 2.5 days nursery that I am at college, will I still be entitled to the 5 - 2.5hr government vouchers towards pre-school a week?

Sorry if this is in the wrong section but didnt know where else to post !

Phone the college you are going to and ask them if and how they can help you. I enquired recently and the college i was going to go to would pay for childcare (3 days at college two days on placement) as long as it was a registered provider and the invoice was sent to them. I dont know whether it will effect the free nursery place. I wouldnt have thought so though as you coulduse 1 voucher a day and pay for the other sessions. Im not entirely sure though make an appointment with your lone parent advisor at the jobcentre and see if they can help you out in any way and advice you on the childcare vouchers.

Hiya, thanks for your response. I've been trying the college and left messages but they may not be working as its half term.

DS already goes to a registered nursery two mornings a week and more than happy for any assistance to go direct to them.

I'm assuming the assistance is only for term time? Is that correct?

Thanks.

assistance is only for term time...the college will fund the hours for you....what course are you planning on doing???

I think they reopen a week on monday not ure though as it usually varies by area. Try again then hopefully youll get through to someone. I would have thought so im not sure though. Ive decided not to pursue a full time course due to ds's age and current circumstances, so havent managed to find that out.

I'm going to do a Horticulture Course that will give me NVQ2 Horticulture, OCN Intermediate Horticulture and OCN Garden Design.

My DS is 2+8 so I'm only doing part-time too.

FAWKEOFF - are you studying? If so how do you find it?

Shelley... are you going to be doing a part time course then or just postponing the whole thing for a bit?

I'm scared witless whether I'll be able to cope and whether I'll fit in but I'm determined to do it !

Im trying to find a part time course that will be appropriate for what i want to do. Which works out a few hours on an evening and some time on a placement during the day but uim having trouble finding one at the moment.

There is funding avaliable for parents on income support for childcare. There's plenty of time to sort it out, check with the college after half term and check with the benefits agency.

You will do fine at college. Mature students almost always out perform younger students. Just organise yourself, set aside study/assignment writien time, possibly when your LO is in bed and relax and enjoy yourself.

Thanks Slug. i will do that. i'm pretty organised just not sure if my brain still works !