If you are between 16 to 20 years of age and are taking a full or part-time course, you may be eligible for Childcare assistance under this scheme. For further information contact Eileen Rice, the Student Support Coordinator, Tel: 028 9026 5172.

Criteria

To be eligible, a student must during their course of study be or become:

• A parent and
• At least 16 years old; and
• Under 20 years of age at the start of their course of study
• Living in Northern Ireland
• Students must also meet the residency requirements
• Students receiving assistance from the scheme who become 20 during their course of study may choose to remain on the scheme or to apply for assistance under the Hardship Funds (discretionary).
• A student who is expecting to become a parent during their course of study may apply in advance to establish their eligibility for assistance.
• Students in receipt of or eligible for childcare support from other sources, such as Child Tax Credits, Childcare Grant etc, are not eligible for assistance from the scheme(NI)

Childcare Provision

The child carer must be a childminder, pre-school playgroup, day nursery, out-of-school club or other provider registered with Health & Social Services Board. A relative of the child may not be considered as an eligible child carer, unless they are also registered.

The Choice of child carer is the sole responsibility of the student/parent. The college will need to see a copy of the child carer’s Registered Certificate and a signed statement from the child carer in order for payment to be made directly to the carer.

A student may change their childcare provider. However, the agreement of the college should be sought before any change.

Assistance available

Assistance with childcare costs and associated travel to and from the child carer. It will be provided only in relation to the time a child is in child care that is necessary to allow the parent to attend their course of study

Childcare costs may include a retainer fee to the childcarer to ensure the childcare place is kept available.

Courses

The scheme is open to full-time and part-time FE and HE Students in FE provision who are pursuing a professional and technical course such as:

• NVQ at levels 1 to 5
• GCSE’s
• A and AS levels
• National Certificates and Diplomas
• GNVQs

If you require further information please contact the Support Support Coordinator 028 9026 5172