Briefing: Childcare Support for Students

This briefing outlines the range of childcare support available to students across the UK. The briefing contains links to information relating to a wide variety of funds to support students.

It covers:

• UK-wide schemes like Tax-Free Childcare and limited Universal Credit eligibility for student parents.
• Nation-specific provisions:
  • England: Childcare Grant, Parents’ Learning Allowance, NHS bursaries, and Care to Learn scheme for under-20s.
  • Wales: 30 hours of free childcare, Flying Start programme, and support via Financial Contingency Fund.
  • Scotland: 1,140 hours of funded childcare, Discretionary Childcare Funds, and Lone Parent Childcare Grant.
  • Northern Ireland: 12.5 hours of free pre-school education and Care to Learn for 16–20-year-olds.
• Education provider support through hardship or discretionary funds.
• Eligibility details for each scheme and guidance on accessing support.

The briefing is designed to assist MPs and caseworkers but is also a useful reference for students and advisors.

Click here to access the briefing

Click here to access a FAQs briefing on Student Loans