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