As a child care provider Freshfields Nursery occasionally comes across a young parent who expresses an interest in returning to learning or training.

Young parents under 20 years of age who attend courses through Schools, Colleges or training providers (the course does not have to be accredited) can access up to £160 per week for registered childcare. This also includes travel to and from the Nursery.

The funding, from the Government initiative, Care to Learn, does not affect any other benefits or allowances that the young parent receives, and Dads are eligible too if they have caring responsibilities for the child. A consultation has recently been carried out on the scheme and changes are likely to take effect from September 2012. These could include changes to the maximum weekly rates, linking the support to income and changes to the age criteria.

For more information please contact the Freshfields office team, or visit the care to learn website at www.education.gov.uk/16to19/studentsupport