UK Government - Childcare Support Scheme

What the Childcare Support Fund gives you

Whilst studying at the University of Nottingham, you will receive a grant towards your childcare costs. There is no fixed amount. The university calculates the amount of your grant based on your financial needs, by comparing your income with your necessary expenses. Grants of over 1,000 GBP (approximately 1,150 EUR) are paid in instalments throughout the academic year, with payments also possible on a termly basis. The fund covers Ofsted-registered childcare, i.e. a childminder or nursery that has been inspected by the official English childcare regulatory body. Care provided by a family member who is legally exempt from the registration requirement is also taken into account. As funds are limited, the amount of support you receive will depend on how much money is still available at the time of your application.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled at the University of Nottingham in the UK and are actively taking part in a course.
• Nationality: Open to students from the UK, the EU and other countries.
• Level and field: Open to all disciplines and all levels of study.
• Parent or guardian: You are the legal parent or guardian of the child or children attending the childcare facility, and they live with you.
• Need for childcare: You can demonstrate that childcare is essential for your studies.
• Financial need: You can provide evidence of financial hardship. Substantial savings in your name (or your partner’s) are treated as income and may result in your application being rejected.

How to apply

You apply online via the university’s Student Enquiry Centre. Please submit all the required documents at the same time. The application period begins in October and ends on 10 July (or six weeks before the end of your degree programme, if it ends earlier). You may only apply once per academic year. You will be notified of the decision by email within approximately three to four working weeks.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive grant scheme, but a needs-based fund. If you are a student at the University of Nottingham, a legal parent or guardian, and can demonstrate a genuine emergency, you have a good chance of receiving support. The main risk is that the money will run out, as the fund is limited and the amount available decreases as it is used up. Apply for the grant early in the year to secure the maximum possible support.