Coming to university is a time of change no matter what your circumstances. This is particularly true of students who are also parents or carers. This article is to help you plan your childcare and think through what you need to organise.

Every parent’s situation is different – and of course every student is different. Some will have timetables that change on a regular basis, some will have course-related placements and others will have a fairly static schedule. We have put together this information on the different types of childcare that are available, particularly if you are not familiar with childcare in the UK, as well as the questions you will need to ask yourself about how the arrangements may or may not fit in around your studies.

In this article:


 

Childminders

 

What is a childminder?

 

 

How much will it cost?

 

 

How do I choose a childminder?

 

Day care provision

 

What is day care provision?

 

 

How much will it cost?

 

 

How do I choose day care provision?

 

Nursery schools

 

What is nursery school?

 

 

How much will it cost?

 

 

How do I choose a nursery?

 

Before and after-school care

Although your child may be old enough to be in school it is likely that you may still need some additional childcare for times when your academic timetable will not run parallel to that of your child’s.

 

Childminders

 

 

Breakfast and after-school clubs

 

 

Holiday schemes

 

Funding childcare

 

How will I pay for my childcare?

 

 

Where can I get help and advice on funding my childcare?

 

Balancing childcare & course attendance

 

Is there any childcare provision on campus?

 

 

Can I bring my child to university?

 

 

My childcare plans have fallen through - what do I do?

 

 

What should I do if my child becomes suddenly ill and I have tutorials that day? Will it affect my attendance for modules?

 

 

What do I do if my child falls sick during exam week?

 

Studying on a visa with dependants

 

Can I bring my dependant children to the UK?

 

Further resources for childcare support

If you require further information, advice or guidance you may find this information helpful:

 

 

Further external resources & support

 

If you're looking for family-friendly accommodation, check out Where can I look for family-friendly student accommodation?