Are you under 20 on 1st August and a student at the college?

If yes, ‘Care to Learn’ can pay for your childcare, please ask about Care to Learn or visit the website www.dfes.gov.uk/caretolearn (Helpline number 0845 600 2809)

Childcare Information for students 20, or over by 1st August 2007

How do I get help with childcare whilst I am on my course in College?

You may qualify for Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work if:

• You are a parent of a child or children aged 14 or under (18 or under for children with disabilities)
• Your household income is 20k or under in the previous tax year
• You are not in any paid employment
• You are a family where your partner works full time or over 16 hours a per week
  Details from direct.gov.uk/freechildcareforlearning or call 0800121 8989

For discretionary Learner Support Funding for childcare:

• You will need to find an Ofsted registered childcare provider
• A list is available from your local Social Services of all registered childcare providers in your area telephone 08704 644488 or go to www.childcarelink.gov.uk/kent
• You can apply for help with your childcare costs to the Learner Support Fund if you are on low income or in receipt of a means tested benefit
• For more details please see the separate leaflet on Learner Support Funds
• You will have to complete a Learner Support Fund Childcare application form.
• The forms are available from the Student Information Centre
• You will need to show evidence of benefit/low income which is photocopied and returned to you immediately
• Ask your Personal Tutor to sign to confirm your timetable
• You will need to return it in person and show your student ID card

What is the procedure?

• When we receive your completed form your childcare provider is sent a letter and asked to confirm the days and times your child/children attend and details of the costs. The letter we send explains you have applied to the College for childcare costs.
• The application is submitted to the Learner Support Fund Panel for approval.
• Payment is arranged and you are notified of the outcome by letter. You collect the cheque from the Finance Department to pass on to your childcare provider.

How much funding can I get?

• If you are entitled to any government funding toward childcare this will be taken into account.
  
• Awards are calculated at a current market rate by comparison of prices in the area and an award is granted for childcare whilst you are timetabled into College during the term with a travelling time allowance where necessary. Payments will not be given for self directed study weeks or holiday periods out of term time.
  
• Your funding will continue to the end of the academic year provided your attendance and progression at College continue to be satisfactory.

What if my circumstances change?

• You should notify us of any financial changes in your circumstances in writing so that your application can be reassessed if necessary.
• Please also notify us of any change of address and inform Registry so that the College record can be amended.

For further information, please contact the Student Information Centre.