What is childcare support?

  • Funding* which will enable you to do a college course without having to incur costs for childcare
  • Funding for childcare for the days you are timetabled to be in college
  • Funding that covers all your children, whether they are of pre-school or school age
  • Funding for nursery places, breakfast clubs, after school clubs, or childminders – but they must have an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’ or higher

*Eligibility for childcare support is dependent on household income – please ask in the Student Hub for further information

Can I choose my own childcare provider?

  • You can choose the childcare provider that best fits your needs and schedule
  • The location of the childcare provider is up to you – it can be near your home or college, or close to a family member who might help with drop-offs and pick-ups

How do I apply for childcare funding?

Your application for childcare can be completed in five easy steps:

1.  Pick up a childcare funding application form (CF1) from the Student Hub at either campus, or download it here

2. Complete section 1 of the form

3. Give the form to your chosen childcare provider and ask them to complete section 2

4. Return the completed form to the Student Hub at either campus along with the following supporting documents:

      • Birth certificate (for each child)
      • Proof of household income
      • Childcare provider’s price list
      • Copy of the childcare provider’s terms and conditions

5. You will also need to agree to the college’s terms and conditions for childcare support, which includes maintaining at least 80% attendance on your course

Download the CF1 form

When will childcare funding start?

  • As soon as your form has been handed in and checked by a member of college staff a contract will be put in place with your chosen provider
  • You will be notified when the contract is ready and childcare costs can be backdated to the start of the term, if applicable

How soon can I arrange childcare?

You can arrange childcare as soon as you have been accepted onto a course at the college

Need help with your childcare funding application?

Staff in the Student Hubs can help with completing your childcare funding application and any other queries you may have.

Opening times:

  • Monday:  8.30am – 5.30pm
  • Tuesday:  8.30am – 7pm
  • Wednesday:  8.30am – 5.30pm
  • Thursday:  8.30am – 7pm
  • Friday:  8.30am – 4.30pm