Childcare Costs For students aged 19+

What support is available for Childcare?

If you are a young parent under the age of 20 at the start of your course, you could be eligible for the 16-19 Care To Learn (C2L) funding. Please contact the Student Support Team at your campus.

Am I eligible for 16-19 Care To Learn (C2L) with South Thames Colleges Group?

To be eligible, you must meet the same criteria from the Young Learner Support Fund.

Be aged 16-19 at the start of your course. Young parents who become 20 years old during their study programme can continue to get funding to the end of that specific study programme, so to the end of the same programme at the same level.
Be the Parent or Main carer of the child(ren) that you are applying for.
Be in receipt of Child Benefit for the child(ren) for whom you are claiming C2L.
Use an Ofsted registered and public liability insured Childcare provider.

Please note students will need to meet the eligibility criteria and maintain continuous attendance at college and your child(ren) must maintain continuous attendance at their provision to receive support. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.

Am I eligible for a 20+ Childcare Bursary with South Thames Colleges Group?

To be eligible, you must meet the same criteria from either the 19+ Discretionary Learner Support Fund or The Advanced Learner Loan Bursary and:

Be aged 20+ at the start of your course.
Have a household income of £30,000 per year or less before tax and deductions or be in receipt of certain means tested benefits.
Have settled status or leave to remain in the UK or be in receipt of NASS financial support.
Be enrolled with South Thames College Group on an eligible Government funded Further Education course (full or part time).
Be the parent or main carer of the children that you are applying for.
Maintain at least 85% attendance per half term period.
Be in receipt of an Advanced Learning Loan if one is required to pay your course fees (e.g., studying certain Level 3/4 qualifications and either aged 24+ or 20+ and already hold a level 3 qualification)
Use an Ofsted registered and public liability insured Childcare provider.

Funding is limited and will be awarded on a first come first served basis.

Please note that this is a limited fund. Students will need to meet the eligibility criteria and maintain a minimum of 85% attendance to receive support. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.