Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of childcare support available to full-time students who undertake paid work.

The government recognises the value of parents continuing in or returning to education and provides support to those enrolled in recognised higher education courses.

Eligible student parents may be able to claim a Childcare Grant, which offers parents support with up to 85% of their childcare costs depending on their household income.

The maximum Childcare Grant for the 2021/22 academic year is:

• up to £179.62 a week for one child

• up to £307.95 a week for two or more children.

In further education, the Care to Learn scheme contributes towards childcare and related travel costs while young parents are in education.

All parents aged under 20 who meet Care to Learn residency criteria and engage in directly publicly funded education or training (except higher education) can apply if they are the main carer and in receipt of child benefit for their child.

The maximum amount that can be claimed is £175 per child per week in London and £160 per child per week elsewhere.