Second undergraduate degree with a baby ?

[Fem1985]

Long post.. apologies

Am I mad to be considering this ?
I have three children. Two at school and a 7 month old baby. I live separately from their dad (my partner) for a variety of reasons. I thought about returning to work in September. I’m a TA, but with the high cost of childcare in comparison with the wage I would get sadly it doesn’t seem worth it.

I have considered going in to teaching for a long time. I already hold an undergraduate degree and I have had two attempts at a primary pgce. Once in 2012 and once in 2020. I still hold a place on the one I began in 2020 with the option to return in 2023. I left the course in 2012 due to inexperience and having to travel quite far for placement. In 2020 I suffered a bereavement and then lockdowns made returning difficult due to childcare issues. I then went on maternity leave. So effectively I would have to restart the pgce if I was to return in 2023. My children would be 9, 5 and 18 months.

I have been a TA since 2014. I volunteered for a few months while completing my training and then started supply work. before being offered a contract.

my eldest child was born in 2013, I lived with my partner until 2018. He has always earned more than me and I have worked part time or been off taking care of the children. While I was training as a TA he did pay some nursery fees. Since we have lived apart I arrange and cover nursery fees. My partners transfers me a set amount in child maintenance each week. Because we are together he often spends more though.

Through clearing I have applied for a place on an allied health profession course degree. I think I would be good at this profession and would be able to do it as an undergraduate over 3-4 days a week. I am going to apply for the childcare grant to help with childcare. I feel as though I have lost my passion for teaching and I can’t earn a lot as a TA. I feel stuck in a position with a low income and can’t provide what I would like to be able to for my children.

I am reluctant to tell my partner I have applied to university. He already wasn’t keen for me to return next year due to childcare fees and says he can’t afford to give us any more financial support. If I do it anyway I could lose the relationship.

Ok
so a few things to unpick and review
you still have a place on PGCE for 2023 but have misgivings and don’t know if you want to teach
Offered a place on an AHP degree - well done 👍 what course? SALT?OT?PT is it a graduate shortened course? That will involve placements and travel you’ll need to factor that in.
your partner may or may not be supportive. You’ll need to get him to commit and support your study and placements
Finances has his contribution been assessed by CSA or has he decided a figure?

Hi,

• He has decided the amount of financial support I get based on his wage.

• It’s an OT undergraduate course so 3 years, with a ten week block placement at the end of the first academic year. Not sure on the length of placement for the second and third year x

You know there are OT degree that are 2 duration Yr for graduates, on the 3yr course will you get a grant for second degree?
why does he arbitrarily get to decide what’s a appropriate amount to give you?
what does he do to support you currently as a parent and what will he do when you’re a student again?

Quick Google, it’s all encouraging - you’ll get fees and a maintenance allowance. OT is a fantastic career, OTs I know love it and are happy in their career

maintenance grant and fees OT as second degree

Following the NHS Bursary Reform new students undertaking affected Allied Health Professional (AHP) courses now apply to Student Finance England for tuition fee and maintenance loans.

For these AHP courses an exception to the usual Equivalent Level Qualification rule applies meaning that students undertaking BSc Occupational Therapy as a second undergraduate degree will be able to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans.

Apply for student finance online at Student finance

*ahh brilliant thanks for your replies :) it’s good to know I should get the funding and that OT’s enjoy the role. I put an application in with student finance but wasn’t certain I would get it. I’m looking at the undergrad route to try and give myself a better time balance for the children.

*He decided and I haven’t questioned it really 🤦🏼‍♀️.

• He works 12 hour shifts four on four days off. This set of four he hasn’t seen us for four days. Tomorrow he is taking us out and having the children stay over on Tuesday night. Not sure what the plan is for Wednesday and Thursday. He does do things for us but it is hard work at times.

So start questioning the finances, get familiarised with what he earns and what is a fair and reasonable contribution. You really shouldn’t passively let him set the financial agenda

Also as your partner he need to,communicate and be open and helpful as a parent as a partner

good luck with your course, it’s exciting to have a new course lined up.