Childcare boost for young parents
Young parents in Warwickshire can get extra help with their childcare if they return to education or training.
Warwickshire’s Respect Yourself Campaign is reminding mums and dads under 20-years-old about a government scheme called Care to Learn, offering funding of up to £160 per week per child for registered childcare.
It can also be used towards travel to and from the childcare provider if the provider is not on the site of learning.
According to recent figures, around 60 young parents in the county have accessed the scheme in the last year but there are still many more who could do so.
Kathy Siddle, Warwickshire Respect Yourself Campaign co-ordinator, said: “While young parents may be interested in improving their career prospects and building a better life for their family, they are often put off going back in to education or training because of the whole issue of childcare. Cost can be a factor, as well as leaving their child with someone that is not family or a friend.
“However ‘Care to Learn’ provides the funds to pay for high quality childcare, so parents can be content that their children are being looked after in a safe and happy environment.
“It really is too good an opportunity to miss and interested young parents should discuss the scheme with their Connexions Personal Adviser or another trusted professional.”
For more information about Care to Learn support in your area, call the Learner Support Helpline on 0800 121 8989 (young parents) or visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/caretolearn.
Alternatively, contact Sally Stapleton, Connexions Personal Adviser (Teenage Pregnancy and Young Parents) on 07793 525556.