Types of Learning

Care to Learn can be used to fund childcare while a young parent attends any course that benefits from public funding. It may be used where public funds only provide a part of the course costs. Courses do not have to lead to qualifications and may include parenting skills, basic skills and taster courses. Young parents must be under 20 when they start their course.

Please note Care to Learn cannot support university students who are following a Higher Education course. These students need to apply to the Higher Education Childcare Grant.

Publicly funded courses are delivered by over 4000 providers, these include:

• FE Colleges;
• Sixth form colleges;
• Specialist colleges including agricultural; dance and drama; art and design colleges;
• Schools;
• School sixth forms;
• Some Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) providing further education;
• Voluntary sector and community based providers such as Children's Centres; and
• Private sector providers and employers (as long as some public funding is received for the learning).

Schools, colleges and training providers should use the flexibilities available to them to create and develop learning opportunities for young parents that offer choice, flexibility and opportunities for progression to further education and employment.

For help or more information call the Learner Support Provider Helpline on 0845 600 7979.