For students aged 20 years and over
The College may be able to help you with the cost of childcare but you will need to make your own arrangements with an Ofsted-registered childcare provider. The College’s childcare contribution will not exceed £60 per full day (£35 per half day) and £20 per after school club per child and is only payable for the days/hours that you are in College or on placement.
Payment for childcare will be made direct to the childcare provider and will not be released unless signed College agreements are in place with both the learner and the childcare provider.
The maximum award for childcare per year is £8700.
For students under 20 years of age
​Students under 20 and in need of childcare assistance should apply for the Care to Learn Scheme. To apply for this, make an application to the 16-18 Discretionary bursary on the MidKent College website and select childcare support for those aged 16-20 when prompted. Care to Learn will pay up to £180 per child per week. ​
Care to Learn can be claimed for independent study time where it is required as part of your study programme to complete coursework, undertake revision or homework, as agreed between the college and the student. Care to Learn will support time needed to undertake work experience and industry placements but only where these have been identified as an integral part of the study programme. Costs associated with independent study time, work experience and industry placements are included as part of the Care to Learn weekly maximum amount (£180 per child per week) and not as extra. ​
You can get Care to Learn if all the following apply to you:​
- you’re a parent under 20 at the start of your course​
- you’re the main carer for your child​
- you live in England​
- you’re either a British citizen or have a legal right to live and study in England​
- your course qualifies​
- your childcare provider is appropriately registered with Ofsted. ​
Payment for childcare will be made direct to the childcare provider and will not be released unless signed College agreements are in place with both the learner and the childcare provider.​
More information is available at Care To Learn. Care to Learn can also help with the cost of transport to and from the chosen childcare provider.
Contact a student financial support adviser by
