Childcare funding whilst studying

[Ewemoo]

After having spent ages filling out childcare grant form, the LA have got back to me saying dh earns too much (£30k). I have 3 dcs 2 of whom need full-time childcare so all in all it will set me back £16,500 for the 9 months my PGCE will take. Are there any other options for getting any financial help? I appreciate I'm not poverty-stricken but £16k is a lot of money especially when I can't work next year due to the course.

Tax credits maybe?

do the university themselves have any funds you could access to ease it a little?

Surely you'd be entitled to the childcare element of tax credits ?

You wouldn't get the childcare element of tax credits unfortunately, you have to be in paid employment to get this. This is the problem I have had. If you want to train to be a hairdresser, florist or even take a photography course then there seems to be help available but not for a pgce.

Can your family help out at all? Is there a nursery linked to your course provider that offers a discount? There may also be charities in your area that will help but they don't tend to advertise so you will need to speak to your local job centre and possibly citizen advice. Have you spoke to your course provider yet?