Childcare

If you are a parent aged 20 or over, you may be eligible to receive help with the cost of childcare while studying at college.

Childcare costs will be supported for all timetabled classes required by the individual course, as well as any work placements that are essential to successful completion of the course. A maximum of one extra hour each day will be allowed for travel time (although discretion can be used to extend this to meet exceptional needs).

It is important to note that students will be expected (if necessary) to use any available Free Early Learning (FEL) funding towards meeting their childcare needs before further support is awarded. This includes all 2-year-olds who are eligible for FEL funding based on their parent(s) income, as well as 3 and 4 year olds who automatically qualify.

Additionally, to ensure fair and responsible use of the Childcare Support Fund, payments will be limited as follows:

• full week - £200

• full day - £50 *

All childcare costs above these rates will have to be met by the student.

* When a class takes place across the middle of the day, and a full day's childcare is required, the cost of this will only be met by the College when there are at least 4 timetabled hours in the day.

Childcare funding is limited so students are advised to apply at the earliest available opportunity. Please contact admissions@sheffcol.ac.uk for more information.