BACK TO SCHOOL... FOR MUM TOO - Suzanne Shaw Q&A on the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work Scheme

What is the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work Scheme?

The free Childcare for training and Learning for Work Scheme helps a parent to go back and learn a new skill whilst having help with their childcare costs.

Why did you decide to get involved in promoting the scheme?

I got involved in the scheme because I think it’s really important for parents who want to learn a new skill and further their career to realise that they can potentially have the support of free childcare behind them.
For me personally, it is nice to have ‘parent time’, to go out and do things for me knowing that the kids are socialising with other children and being well looked after.  I think it also benefits your kids to see you going out and learning something new.  They can realise that anything is possible.

Who can claim for the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work Scheme?

Either parent can claim for the FCTLW scheme so if you are out of work, aged 20 or over, have a partner who is working, your household income was £20,000 or less in the previous tax year and have a child aged 14 or under, you could be eligible for free childcare.

What sort of courses could parents do? 

There are a wide range of courses available, you could do anything! Perhaps a refresher course in English or maths, or a more formal qualification such as teaching, or social care.

How much can parents get towards their childcare costs?

Parents can get up to £175 per week per child or if you live in London it’s £215.

Which childcare providers can eligible parents use?

Parents can use any Ofstead registered child care provider and there are plenty to choose from.  They include services including nurseries, childminders and even afterschool clubs.

Has there ever been any time where a scheme like this would have been useful to you?

A scheme like this can always be useful for many people, I had to go back to work just 6 weeks after my son Corey was born to ensure that my family could have all the things they needed.  I understand how difficult and costly it can be to find suitable childcare, especially if you are thinking about re-training or learning something new.
The Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work Scheme helps to remove the financial barriers to learning that new skill and helping you to find the career you have always wanted.

If you could learn a new skill or train for a new career, what would you choose?

I have always wanted to learn how to be the other side of the camera, part of the production team, perhaps in the editing suite. Something like that would definitely appeal to me.

What inspired you to try ice dancing?

Ice dancing was always something I wanted to do as a little girl.  My mum and dad could only afford for me to go to one set of lessons so I had to decide between dancing lessons or Ice skating.  I loved the dancing so I went with that.
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn to ice skate.  It was something I thought I would never be able to do.  I can now skate very competently and it has built up my confidence as well.  I have realised that anything is possible if you put your mind to it so I would encourage everyone out there to try something new.

You have a Son, Corey, how did you manage with childcare while you were rehearsing?

Finding suitable childcare can often be tricky and expensive.  When I’m rehearsing or doing other bits and pieces, it is difficult to find good quality childcare at the right price.  Otherwise all your money is spent on paying for childcare and you don’t see any rewards for your hard work.

What did Corey think of childcare? Did he enjoy it?

Corey absolutely loves being at nursery!, he is so outgoing and he gets so much from being with other kids his age.  He is a great sociable little boy!

What difference can having free childcare make?

Having free childcare can make such a difference, especially if you really want to learn a new skill, but you are not sure how to manage the costs. When you go to college you don’t bring money in to the household so to have some help with the cost can make a massive difference especially when there are so many people out there who want to get a new education in something they have always dreamed of doing.

What is the best thing about learning something new?

The best thing about learning something new is the confidence boost it gives you.  Sometimes when you start off and it can be quite daunting but when you get the grasp of it and you find that you have become quite good at it, the feeling is unbelievable.  You start to think wow! Anything is possible!

What advice would you give to parents who are considering learning a new skill or starting a new training course?

My advice would be to get out there and try something new, whether it is a taster course in flower arranging or a diploma in childcare.  Learning a new skill can benefit both parent and child, it gives you the confidence and skills to work in job that you have always wanted, whilst your child can see you working hard to achieve something.  It is great for them to see that mummy or daddy is happy and doing something they really enjoy.

Where can parents find out more information?

To find out more information parents can go to website www.direct.gov.uk/freechildcareforlearning or call the helpline on 0800 121 8989

Watch Suzanne Shaw introducing the Free Childcare for Training & Learning for Work Scheme on YouTube here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7hcwwjm3ig