Case Studies

How young parents have used the scheme

How have other young parents used the scheme?
What courses are they doing?
How do they find leaving their child with someone else?

Halima 17, 10 month old daughter Jennifer - London
Foundation course

Why did you consider going back to education?
I didn't finish my education and so I want to get some qualifications so that I don't have to depend on anyone for anything and so I can look after my daughter properly.

What type of childcare did you use and what did it feel like leaving your baby?
I used a childminder and I was very scared at first because my baby was only 3 months old and a crying baby and I thought the childminder might not have the time for her but it is exactly the opposite she has time for everyone. She is the only one I trust with her.

Do you enjoy your course?
Yes I have enjoyed it very much. It is difficult when I am at home with the baby especially when she is asleep as I am on my own. I can't do leisure activities because I don't trust anyone to look after her if she is not with the childminder. Going to college has made me strong. Before I was unhappy and depressed but when I am at college I mix with people and think about other things.

Are you going to continue your education?
Yes I want to become a nurse but I have to start at the bottom.

Jade 16 1 year old son Taylor - London
Secretarial course

Why did you consider going back to education?
I have got 5 A-C grade GCSE's but to get a job I would need more qualifications. I don't want to get a job until Taylor goes to school but I don't want to stay at home and do nothing so going on courses uses the time properly. I think that later on when I go for an interview if there is another girl and she's got 5 GCSE's the fact that I've got other qualifications would mean I'd have a better chance of getting the job.

What type of childcare did you use and what did it feel like leaving your baby?
I used a childminder and it wasn't a problem leaving Taylor because I went on visits before leaving him and met the childminder and her children. I really liked her. Going there is good for Taylor because he needs a break from me and he enjoys playing with the other children.

Since starting my course I have had a couple of problems which meant I had to leave home. I didn't tell the childminder what had happened or why I had stopped taking Taylor to her. When I got myself sorted out and phoned her to ask if I could come back she told me that she had been so worried about both Taylor and myself and asked why I hadn't gone to her when I left home. She has told me to come to her in the future if I have any problem and she will be able to try and help me.

Do you enjoy your course?
Yes, I have enjoyed the course and have passed all my modular tests We have exams to revise for and that is not much fun, but it will be worth it in the end. I also like college because it gives me a break and the chance to socialise.

Are you going to continue your education?
Yes I am thinking about doing some sort of Accountancy training to build on the secretarial course.

Zoe 18 - London
A/S levels Business studies, IT, English

Why did you consider going back to education?
As a single parent I have to do something to improve the financial situation for me and my son, but also to work toward having a career and achieving a personal goal. Later on I want to be a midwife or a paediatric nurse.

I used a childminder and at first I felt very guilty at leaving him but gradually I built up a relationship with the childminder and her family and felt more confident. I know that she has been CRB checked and that the network co-ordinator regularly visits the childminder to make sure everything is alright. That reassures me. I still feel a bit guilty and worry but I am told that is natural.

Do you enjoy your course?
Yes, I am enjoying the course but it is very hard and different from GCSEs. I am glad I had the chance to go back into education and that the childcare is so flexible. If I have any spare lessons during the day I do extra study to improve my English as it is not my first language.

Are you going to continue your education?
Next year I want to go on to do A levels.

Sherelea 18 - 16 month old son Thomas
London, Hairdressing course

Why did you consider going back into education?
To do something with my life and to make a better future for my son.

What type of childcare did you use and what did it feel like leaving your baby?
I use a childminder and I was a bit unsure at first but he settled quickly. He enjoys playing with the other children and there are lots of things for him to do such as painting and playing in the garden.

Do you enjoy your course?
Yes I like the course because you are able to work with clients in your first year. I really like the practical side.

Are you going to continue with your education?
I am on a two year course so I will be going back next year.