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Helping parents back to work

The aim of the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work Scheme is to help workless parents back to work by providing free childcare while they are in training or learning.

The 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

Eligible parents can choose which course is going to give them the right skills to get back into work, ranging from from a short refresher in maths or a more formal qualification in a range of subjects from social care to teaching.

An advisor will help parents to enrol for their chosen course and will advise parents on the childcare options available to them.

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."

For more information, call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989 or follow the links below.

• Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme (education and learning section)

• Help with childcare costs while you're learning (education and learning section)