Care to Learn: Financial Support for Childcare While Studying in the UK

The Care to Learn scheme is a valuable resource for young parents under 20 studying in England, providing financial support for childcare costs.

This article will guide you through the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits of the Care to Learn scheme.

What Care to Learn Covers and How Much You Can Receive

Financial Assistance

Depending on your location, Care to Learn can provide up to £180 per child per week outside London or £195 per child per week in London. 

This financial aid helps cover childcare costs, including deposit and registration fees, childcare taster sessions for up to five days, maintaining childcare places over the summer holidays, and transporting your child to their childcare provider.

Payments and Stopping Payments

Childcare payments are made directly to your childcare provider once they confirm your child’s attendance and your school or college confirms your course attendance. 

Travel payments are sent to your school or college, which then either pay you or arrange travel for you. 

Payments will stop if you stop attending your course, reach the end of your course, or your child stops attending childcare.

Eligibility for Care to Learn

Parent and Course Requirements

To qualify for Care to Learn, you must be a parent under 20 yearls old at the start of your course, the primary carer for your child, live in England, and be a British citizen or have the right to live and study in England. 

Your course must be publicly funded and be held in a school, sixth-form, college, or other approved learning provider in England.

Childcare Provider Requirements

Your childcare provider must be registered with Ofsted, a childminder agency, or a school. Providers can include childminders, preschool playgroups, day nurseries, and out-of-school clubs.

Applying for Care to Learn

Application Process

Before applying, choose your learning and childcare providers. You will need to make a new application for each year you study. 

Apply online for Care to Learn. Remember that your childcare provider will only be paid from the beginning of your course if you apply before it starts or within 28 days of starting your course.

After You Apply

After applying, provide your learning provider with a copy of your child’s birth certificate or a letter confirming the child’s Child Benefit receipt.

Your childcare provider will only be paid after you’ve provided this information.

Care to Learn is an invaluable scheme that helps young parents in England pursue their education while ensuring their children receive quality childcare. 

Understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits will help you take advantage of this opportunity. 

Apply for Care to Learn today and enjoy the support you need to balance your studies and childcare responsibilities.

Care to Learn

caretolearn@studentbursary.education.gov.uk 

For Providers –
Telephone: 0300 303 8610

For Students –
Telephone: 0800 121 8989