Learning and Skills Council
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£75 million pledge to help parents train for a brighter tomorrow

£75 million pledge to help parents train for a brighter tomorrow

LEARNING AND SKILLS COUNCIL News Release issued by COI News Distribution Service on 7 May 2009

- Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work Scheme -

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is committing to help parents from low-income families with a new £75m initiative. The Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme offers 50,000 eligible parents real help now through vital childcare support, while they train or learn, to support them into employment.

Children's Minister Beverley Hughes said:

"We know that for those who can, work remains the best way to lift families and children out of poverty. We also know that high quality childcare not only supports parents back into employment but that it promotes and improves positive outcomes for children, helping to ensure that all children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can reach their full potential.

"This initiative will give parents the peace of mind that while they train to get into employment, their child is benefiting from high quality childcare. That is why I am delighted to be working with the Learning and Skills Council on this programme and greatly look forward to seeing its impact on children and parents across the country."

Eligibility

The nationwide scheme is open to half a million families in England with:

* One partner in work
* An annual household income of £20,000 or less per year
* A child or children aged 14 or under
* A child or children aged 18 or under with disabilities

Support with training and learning

Eligible parents can choose which course is going to give them the right skills to get back into work. Courses could range from a short refresher in maths or a more formal qualification in a range of subjects from social care to teaching.

Support with childcare cost

An advisor will help parents to enrol for their chosen course and will advise parents on the childcare options available to them. Parents have the choice from a range of Ofsted childcare, with the LSC paying up to £175 per child per week, or £215 in London. This ensures that parents have the means to make the best childcare choice for their family's needs.

Tim Yeandle, Director of Student Services and Marketing, Somerset College (one of the Ofsted approved childcare providers involved in the scheme) comments:

"The benefits of the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme are two-fold. In addition to the financial and training benefits, enabling parents to strengthen their position within the job market, the scheme provides an excellent opportunity for parents to expand their social networks and engage with like minded people. This ultimately helps to boost parents' confidence, whilst they have the reassurance of knowing their children are being looked after in a safe environment".

With the option of job shares, flexi-hours and part-time work, there are many options for families to create a more secure future through employment. The Free Childcare for Training and Learning scheme has been developed to remove the financial barriers to work and give parents more options.

To apply for the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme, or to find out more please visit http://www.directgov.uk /freechildcareforlearning or call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989

- Ends -

Notes to Editors

About the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme


* In March 2007 there was a budget announcement to provide £75m of funding over 3 years to provide free childcare for 50,000 workless parents.

* The scheme was announced on the 7th September 2008 by the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls.

* The scheme is now available across England (commenced from 1st April 2009)

* The scheme is aimed at families (with dependent children) where one adult isn't working and the other is, but on a low income (£20k or under in the previous tax year).

* The objective is to encourage the workless adult (aged 20 or over when their learning/training starts) to take up the free childcare provision and get into learning or training that will improve their prospects of progressing into sustainable employment.

* Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work will be paid directly to the Childcare Providers, not to the eligible parent.

* The 2007 Budget announced £75m to provide free childcare for 50,000 workless parents accessing training leading to work. The LSC's Learner Support Directorate put in a proposal for funding to deliver this new scheme and in February 2008 it was agreed by Ministers that the LSC will be the delivery agent for this scheme.

About the campaign

* This is the launch of an integrated marketing campaign is supporting the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme. It includes a radio and print advertising campaign, as well as digital media

About LSC

The LSC exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. We are responsible for ensuring the availability of high-quality education and training for everyone. We have a single goal: to improve the skills of England's young people and adults to world class standards. Our vision is that young people and adults in England have knowledge and skills matching the best in the world and are part of a truly competitive workforce. We work nationally, regionally and locally to deliver this ambition on behalf of learners and employers. http://www.lsc.gov.uk

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