Who can benefit?
Young parents aged under 20 years old caring for their own children can benefit from 'Care to learn'. This includes fathers if they are the main carer. You must also be living in England and use a registered childcare provider.
What courses count?
Young parents must be in or start a course of learning or training in a school, college or as a trainee with a work-based learning provider that receives some government funding before they are 20.
How many hours must I attend each week?
There is no set or minimum number of hours that you have to attend. You can study a part-time course or a full-time course or some other learning opportunity. This may last from a few days, weeks or even years.
What things will Care to Learn pay for?
Up to £160* per week for each child for the following:
- Childcare costs while you learn, are on placement, study or travel
- A deposit or registration fee of up to £250 if one is charged
- A Childcare registration fee (up to £80) if one is charged
- Childcare fees you must pay during the holidays in order to retain your child's place
- Your necessary travel expenses to and from your childcarer
*The £160 per week will apply from August 2007 and is subject to annual review.
How will childcare and travel be paid?
Childcare providers will receive the money directly. Course providers will receive the travel costs so that they can pay for the travel element.
How will this affect my own or my family's benefits or allowances?
This will not affect your own or your family's benefits or allowances. You do not have to be on benefits in order to have your childcare paid.
Education Maintenance Allowance
You may also be eligible for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) of up to £30 a week while you stay in learning. You may also receive cash bonuses if you remain on your course and make good progress. Only your own income will be taken into account for assessment purposes - not that of your parents or carers.
To find out more or get an application form, contact the EMA helpline on 0808 10 16219 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema
How to find out more
Contact:
- The Care to Learn helpline for young people on 0845 600 2809 or contact your local Connexions service
- Your local school or college
- For professionals wishing to find out more telephone 0161 234 7269
Alternatively you can visit the Care to Learn website (see the 'Other websites' section on this page).