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If you're under 20 and have one or more children, Care to Learn can help with the cost of your childcare and related travel costs while you learn.

What can you learn?

The subject or course you take is entirely up to you. For example, you can choose whether you want to take a qualification or not, and whether you want to learn at a college or through work.

Wherever you decide to learn, you can be confident that your child is being safely looked after by a registered childminder or créche.

Qualified people with higher skills and qualifications tend to get a job easier and often get paid more. You could help build a better future for you and your family by learning a new skill or taking a course.

Why Care to Learn?

• There are no set hours
• You can choose a course that lasts a few days or a few years
• There are lots of options to choose from, so you'll be able to find something that interests you
• Meet new people, make new friends and get out and about
• Get up to £160 per child per week for childcare costs

Who looks after my child?

As long as the childcare you use is Ofsted registered, you can choose where you child is looked after while you are learning. For example, you can use the money to pay a childminder, playgroup, nursery, or out of school club.

If you would like help finding childcare in Medway please contact the Medway Family Information Service on: 01634 33 55 66 or email familyinfo@medway.gov.uk or visit www.medway.gov.uk/childcare ›

How do I apply?

Applying for Care to Learn is quick and easy. Just contact the Learner Support helpline on: 0845 600 7979 or visit www.ypla.gov.uk/learnersupport ›

If you need help to complete the form, contact Connexions or speak to your college, school or training provider.

Benefits

Connexions or the Jobcentre will be able to support you with benefits advice. If you are claiming Job Seekers Allowance and are under 18 you need to attend Connexions for your two weekly appointments.

For more information on benefits please contact Connexions on: 01634 334 343 or contact Job Centre Plus on: 0845 604 3719.

Housing

For support with housing Connexions run a housing surgery on a Monday or Thursday 1pm - 4pm where housing professionals will be available to provide advice and guidance on housing applications.

Advice is also available from the housing Contact Point in Chatham Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.