Remember: If you have to take time off because your child is ill, get in touch with your tutor and let them know.  They may be able to e-mail you the work you have missed and help you find someone who is willing to share their lecture notes with you.

What support is available for student parents while studying?

If you have questions relating to your studies, speak to your personal tutor, module tutor or course leader.  You can get their contact details from the Schools' administration office, or through staff lists on the Schools’ websites.

If you want help with study skills such as research techniques, academic writing skills and time management, then make an appointment to see your Study Support tutor.  There are tutors based in each school. 

If you are falling behind with your course, or want to talk to someone on any issue, you can make an appointment to see an adviser.

The Disability Support Service  offers confidential and personal advice and guidance to students on all aspects of applying for Disabled Students Allowance and disability support.

Useful external links

• Childcare Finder provides regularly updated information on national and local childcare providers.
• StudentParents.org  provides useful information for student parents.
• National Day Nurseries Association offers advice and information for parents and childcare professionals.
• The Daycare Trust provides facts and information on childcare issues for parents and childcare providers and information on organisations and campaigns concerning childcare issues.

Brigitte Barrowclough - BA(Hons) History

Although Brigitte had always wanted to go to university, a few years ago she could not have anticipated that this is where she would be now.  However, with the birth of her son, she realised that she could no longer afford to work.  She also realised that her work wasn't going anywhere and with a desire to make the most of her time she decided to return to study.

Brigitte enrolled on an access course at the local college after being advised by the Higher Education Access Point at the University of Huddersfield that this is what she needed to do to get into university.  Despite this preparation, she still had concerns about her capability to do the course and the first term proved to be particularly hard.  She wondered if she would get through it and worried about the effect it was having on her family.

"Even though you make the choice to come to university, you question if it's the right choice.  You ask yourself, 'What am I doing to my kids?'  You have less time with them and feel stressed knowing what you have to do.  But you realise that ultimately what you are doing is going to benefit them."

Brigitte no longer questions her choice to come to university.  She is confident that this is right for her, and she is determined to follow her plan to become a teacher.  She has learnt from her experience and advises students to organise themselves financially before they start and to take advantage of the preparation that an access course can give.

Hannah MacKay - BA(Hons) Early Primary Education QTS

Hannah was already studying on the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development course when her son was born.  She decided that the course was not for her, and transferred onto the BA(Hons) Early Primary Education (Qualified Teacher Status).  While she was waiting to start her course, she made the most of her maternity leave by studying for her maths GCSE as it seemed to be a practical use of the time.

Hannah's first concern was how to finance nursery fees.  She contacted Student Services who directed her to the Student Finance Office.  They explained what she was entitled to, and she was able to access the adult learning at home grant in her first year.  She found that although the fees were expensive, it was helpful having her child taken care of during working hours, when she was on placement.

Her other main concern was time management, however she remains positive about her experience.    Her advice for prospective students with children: "Do it now!  You get lots of funding due to the fact you have children.   It's hard work, but definitely worth it in the long run!"

Kathryn Marshall - BSc(Hons) Environmental Science

Kathryn enrolled on the Women into Science access course, after her maternity leave as she wanted a fresh start.  Her initial concerns were financial, but she managed by receiving help through tax credits, the University Access to Learning fund, and by working in the holidays and being careful with money.

As a single parent, and having to either manage all the childcare herself, or by using external help such as child minders, Kathryn has also had to manage time carefully.   Her advice for students with children is to be organised and plan your work, and if there are problems, speak to your tutors.

Kathryn also advises students to make the most of their time at university; find out about all the funding you can get, have confidence in your abilities or start with an access course, and make the most of your university friends.

Kathryn continued on to do BSc(Hons) Environmental Science which she has now completed.  She is currently working for her placement company, the Environment Agency.

Marie Lindley - BA(Hons) Early Primary Education with QTS

Marie started on the BA(Hons) Early Primary Education when her children were in school and she felt more financially able to manage.  Despite these plans, Marie shared similar concerns to most students with children as they embark on further study; concerns about having enough time to spend with her family, and also on her studies, managing financially and finding good quality childcare.

Marie found that for her, these issues could not be overcome, but they could be managed.   Regarding childcare, her husband changed his work hours so that he could help take care of the children when she was on placement.  She also used a childminder that she knew and an out of school club when necessary.  To get her work done, she would study after the children had gone to bed.  To get the best out of your situation, Marie advises:

"Get your childcare arrangements and finances in order before you start.  Allow time for study but still give time to your family."

Regardless of the challenges that she has faced, Marie believes she has found more support at Huddersfield than friends at other universities.  She values having had other mature students and students with children to talk to, and share her experience with as there has always been someone in a similar position.