Help with childcare costs

There are two childcare schemes available to students to help make part-time study possible.

First you'll need to decide which scheme you may be entitled to receive help from, this depends on how old you are:

1. Care to Learn - for parents under 20 who wish to participate in learning. This scheme is administered by the Learner Support Service (LSS) and not City Lit. For enquiries contact the LSS helpline on 0800 121 8989 or click here for more information and to apply online. 
2. Adult Childcare - for parents over 20 who wish to participate in learning. This scheme runs through City Lit's and the Learner Support Fund (LSF)

Who can get an LSF childcare grant?

If you're not eligible to receive help from Care to Learn then you may be entitled to receive childcare support from our Learner Support Fund.

To apply for a grant you be able to answer 'yes' to the following statements: 

 I am eligible to pay the concessionary fee, or can show I earn below the London Living Wage
 I am paying the home fee (not an international student)
 I am not currently in full time education
 My course runs for 3 days or longer
 My child/children are under 15 years (or under 16 years if disabled) and I am their parent or primary carer
 Other sources of childcare support (e.g. partner and family) have been explored and are not available
 My childcare provider is Ofsted registered
 I will attend my course regularly and tell the  Advice and Guidance team of any changes immediately

What will the grant cover and how does it work?

• The grant will only pay for childcare for the time you spend in class and travelling to and from college to attend your course(s).
• We will arrange to pay them directly for the time you are in or travelling to class.
• If you don't attend or withdraw from your course you'll need to repay any unused monies allocated to you.

Find out who can apply and how to apply and get your questions answered throughout the process in this short video:

Ready to apply for a grant?  

Apply for a grant now

Please ensure that you answer all the questions on the form and use the checklist below to make sure you have uploaded all the required evidence.

Evidence Check List

 Proof of benefits - letter confirming you are in receipt of benefits dated in the last 6 months (for full details on what benefits qualify check here)
OR
 Proof of income - 2 months of pay slips or SA302 or Tax Return form
OR
 Proof of Asylum seeker or Refugee status (if applicable)- ASPEN card or letter from Home Office
AND
 2 months of bank statements for all accounts in your name
AND
 Ofsted Certificate for your childcare provider
AND
 Your child/children's birth certificate(s)

Still have a question?

Contact Us 
We will get back to you as soon as we can.
You can drop-in and see an advisor Monday to Friday: 12:00-14:00 and 15:00-17:00, please speak to a member of staff at the desk in the Student Centre.
See phone numbers and opening times
Or Apply for a bursary online