Funding a 2 year flexible PGCE - help please!

[MaryKatherine]

Hi,

I have been planning a career change for quite some time now and decided to apply for a flexible PGCE due to the fact that I am a mum (11 year old boy/girl coming up 7). Hubby works full time.

I have been offered a place on a 2 year flexible PGCE (I currently work part time in the NHS). I was under the impression that the course was over one year (as advertised) but, since the interview, they have told us that it will now be over 2 years. I turned down another offer to accept this one so feel a bit cheated!

I am hoping to leave my NHS job (due to travel/nature of job). My worry is that I won't be able to afford to re-train. It seems I will only receive a £4K bursary to last 2 years. No way can I live on that (mortgage and 2 children). Hubby doesn't earn enough (I need to bring in at least £600 a month).

Has anyone done a flexible PGCE and what funding did you receive? I am hoping that I have missed something. The course is absolutely perfect for me and I will be really upset if I have to pull out. It is distance learning with a couple of weekends on campus, 16 days in a local school for observations/reflection and two placements (5 weeks in the first year and 9 in the second).

I'm not sure if you have missed something, but my PgCE was over the year and I so wished I had taken the 2 that were also offered.
It does give the chance of you picking up some temporary pt work if you do a flexible course and the year is really full on.
Good luck and I hope some others can help you.

I am glad, in the end, that it is over 2 as it will ease the workload a bit. It just puts me in a difficult position with lack of money.
I have been told that I can do supply as a TA. Hope so!