Statutory funding is the type of funding provided by government which all students who fit into a particular category or who pass a means test can access – this includes things like the student loan and Education Maintenance Allowance.
Discretionary funding is the type of funding that you access through your college or university, and which is judged on a case-by-case basis – this includes things like hardship funds.
Childcare fundingThe majority of funding specific to student parents goes towards providing support for childcare. However, what you are entitled to will vary depending on your age, what type of studying you are doing, and where you live. For example, if you are a full-time undergraduate in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you may be eligible for the Childcare Grant, which will cover around 85% of your childcare costs during term time (this may be less during holidays). But this grant is not available for part-time undergraduate students, unless you are studying in Wales.
In further education childcare funding is dependent upon age. Students from England and Northern Ireland under the age of 20 can access childcare funding under the Care to Learn programme, whilst most adult learners have to apply to discretionary funds administered by individual colleges and providers.
Additional fundingFurther grants are available to support additional expenses such as travel and course costs. These include the Lone Parent Grant for HE students in Scotland, the Parents Learning Allowance for HE students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Dependents’ Allowance for NHS students in those countries.
Whilst the array of loans, grants and awards available for student parents can sometimes seem bewildering, it is really important to put in the time finding out about what you are entitled to. One thing that student parents often do not realise is that they may be entitled to benefits.
We would also recommend that any student parent finding things difficult approach their students’ union advice centre or student services to find out about the discretionary funds available at their college or university. These funds often prioritise students with children, and can be a real lifeline when things get tough.
Taken from the NUS website.
Discretionary funding is the type of funding that you access through your college or university, and which is judged on a case-by-case basis – this includes things like hardship funds.
Childcare fundingThe majority of funding specific to student parents goes towards providing support for childcare. However, what you are entitled to will vary depending on your age, what type of studying you are doing, and where you live. For example, if you are a full-time undergraduate in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you may be eligible for the Childcare Grant, which will cover around 85% of your childcare costs during term time (this may be less during holidays). But this grant is not available for part-time undergraduate students, unless you are studying in Wales.
In further education childcare funding is dependent upon age. Students from England and Northern Ireland under the age of 20 can access childcare funding under the Care to Learn programme, whilst most adult learners have to apply to discretionary funds administered by individual colleges and providers.
Additional fundingFurther grants are available to support additional expenses such as travel and course costs. These include the Lone Parent Grant for HE students in Scotland, the Parents Learning Allowance for HE students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Dependents’ Allowance for NHS students in those countries.
Whilst the array of loans, grants and awards available for student parents can sometimes seem bewildering, it is really important to put in the time finding out about what you are entitled to. One thing that student parents often do not realise is that they may be entitled to benefits.
We would also recommend that any student parent finding things difficult approach their students’ union advice centre or student services to find out about the discretionary funds available at their college or university. These funds often prioritise students with children, and can be a real lifeline when things get tough.
Taken from the NUS website.