The Kent Children's Information Service can help you find the right childcare. They have up to date details of every registered child carer in the county, including nurseries, childminders and holiday clubs. They can offer you advice on how to choose a childminder and direct you to other sources of support. To contact them call 08000 32 32 30 or visit their website at www.kent.gov.uk/cis
Alternatively you can e-mail them at kentcis@kent.gov.uk
Care to Learn
Care to Learn is funding for childcare and extra transport costs, for all parents under 19, to enable them to return to education or training.
The childcare must be from a registered childcare provider, but covers all types of provision. The education or training must be from a recognised learning provider. However, it covers all types of studying; including access courses, school or college courses, short courses and courses run by the voluntary sector. Learning does not have to be accredited. If you are unsure if a particular course would qualify then advice can be sought from the Care to Learn Helpline.
Amount Available
Care to Learn pays for the actual cost of childcare up to a maximum of £145 a week. This amounts to £7,540 per year. Extra costs incurred by travel to the childcare provider can also be claimed, so long as the total claimed on both childcare and travel does not exceed the maximum allowed. Travel costs are not paid for travel to the education site. No travel costs can be claimed if the childcare provider is located on the same site.
Childcare costs are paid directly to the childcare provider.
Travel costs are paid to the learning provider.
Payments can also cover costs incurred at the childcare placement to maintain the place over academic holiday periods.
E M A
The Educational Maintenance Allowance of up to £30 per week (means tested on parent's income) is payable to young people entering year 12 or 13 on top of benefits. All young parents with a co-resident child are automatically eligible for EMA, regardless of their parent's income.
If you need help in finding training, education or childcare, then contact the local Connexions service. Please call Connexions Direct on 080 800 13219 or visit the connexions service website.
Childcare advice and information is available through the Kent Children's' Information Service on 08000 32 32 30
Advice about the application process or courses covered is available from the Care to Learn Helpline:
General information, and the forms required to apply are available on the Care to Learn website.
