Welfare and childcare
Making it Easier For You to Attend College
Welfare Advice
The Welfare Team offers support with issues that can make it difficult to attend college.
We are here to help if you are worried about:
Debts
Housing or homelessness
Loss of work
Claiming benefits
Not having enough food or you're struggling with other costs
Please complete the welfare referral form or scan the QR code to complete a referral form.
Please don’t use this referral form to request bus passes or meals. Follow the processes outlined in the Student Funds information section of this site.
Care to Learn - Childcare Funding for Young Parents (aged under 20)
What is it?
The Care to Learn scheme can help young parents with the cost of childcare while they study. Young parents must be under the age of 20 at the start of their course.
What could I get?
You can claim up to £180 per child per week to cover childcare costs in term time and during college holidays. The payment goes directly to your childcare provider. If your childcare costs are less than £180 you may get a travel payment to help towards the cost of your journey from home to your childcare provider.
How do I qualify for help?
You must be:
A parent aged under 20 when your course starts
The main carer for your child
Applying for, or receiving, Child Benefit for your child
Planning on using an Ofsted registered childcare provider
Living in England
A British Citizen or have the legal right to live and study in England
On a course that qualifies
How do I apply?
Visit the Care to Learn website for details. The application process is online
You must have chosen a childcare provider - use the council’s website to search for local childcare providers that are OFSTED approved.
You will need to show a Child Benefit letter and your child’s birth certificate to college. Please make contact by filling in the childcare referral form so we can arrange to see your evidence. If you qualify for Care to Learn travel, we will also need your bank account details to make a payment to you.
How can I find out more information?
For further details and to check if you qualify, please visit the Care to Learn website.
If you need help with your application, please complete the childcare referral form and we will be in touch.
CHILDCARE ADVICE AND SUPPORT
The Childcare Adviser offers support, advice and guidance to enable you to attend college. This includes:
Supporting you to secure a childcare provider
Advise you on what funding there is available to support your childcare costs while at college
Advise you on your entitlement to free childcare (for eligible parents)
Information and signposting to external agencies
Advice and guidance throughout pregnancy
Additionally:
The college can signpost you to information on parenting, your child’s development, and your health and well-being.
The college can signpost you to other services in Leeds to support you during your pregnancy, and once your baby is born.
Please complete the childcare advice referral form by clicking here or scanning the QR code.
Click here to find out more details about finding and funding childcare whilst you study.