Mum of Three Moves a Step Closer to a Dream Career
Mother of three, Annmarie Fletcher (28) from Ripley, Derbyshire, has moved a step closer to her dream career as a veterinary nurse, thanks to the Government’s Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme.
The weekly grant, which Annmarie applied for through Derby College, pays for one of her children to be placed in full time childcare and part time for another child while she studies for a National Diploma in Animal Management. After the college course, Annmarie hopes to go to university to complete a nursing qualification.
With three children, Ryan (12), Skye (7) and Ethan (2) and a husband who works full time, Annmarie was worried that going back to college would put strain on the family’s finances.
Annmarie said: “I had Ryan when I was 16 and although I left school with some GCSEs, I wasn’t in a position to continue with my education. I focused on being a mum and then had my other two children. I knew as they got older, I wouldn’t want to be at home all day on my own so I decided it was time to do something for myself. Becoming a veterinary nurse has always interested me but I just couldn’t see how we would be able to afford the extra childcare costs.
“Even though my childcare arrangements were a big hurdle when considering going back into learning, I took the decision to enrol on the course at Derby College’s Broomfield site. I booked an appointment to speak to an adviser to seek advice about my situation and this is when I was encouraged to apply for the government funded free childcare scheme.
“I was so pleased when I found out that my application had been successful, I didn’t realise the grant would be something I’d be entitled to. I even get help with travel costs and an Adult Learning Grant which helps pay for course materials and books.”
The Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme can pay up to £175 per week per child, providing real help for childcare and travel costs for out-of-work parents aged 20 years and above. The nationwide scheme is open to families with one partner in work, an annual household income of £20,000 or less, and a child or children aged 14 or under, 18 or under if the child has a disability.
Annmarie continued: “One of the best parts of the scheme is that you get to pick who looks after your children. I was given a list of all the childminders in my area who were Ofsted registered, something that was obviously really important to me. The whole process just made me feel far less guilty about leaving Skye and Ethan.
“As a family, we’ve had to completely change our routine but everyone’s adapted really well. In the morning, I take Skye and Ethan to my childminder Pam and Ryan makes his own way to school. Pam then takes Skye to school and looks after Ethan at her home for the day which he loves because he’s got lots of friends there.
“It’s been a really big step going back into education at my age and a bit scary at times too. I have a lot of work to do at home but it’s really nice for the kids to see their mummy doing something for herself. I definitely think I can manage my time better than I could’ve done if I’d have gone straight to college after school.”
Maureen Finch, Vice Principal at Derby College said: “We are delighted to have been able to support Annmarie through the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work Scheme. Without the scheme we may not have been able to help Annmarie with her childcare costs, which would have seriously affected her chances of returning to study to achieve the qualifications she needs to get her dream job.
“Annmarie is a model student and it’s great that the scheme has been able to remove a barrier to her learning which could have had an impact on her achieving her potential.”
Annmarie said: “I’m really excited about the prospect of going to university. I’ve tried so hard with this course and it will be a real achievement for me if I get offered a place to help me pursue a career in veterinary nursing.
“The staff at Derby College have been fantastic, whenever I had a problem, they came up with a solution. The financial support I receive means there are no barriers to learning.”
To apply for the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme, or to find out more please visit http://www.lsc.gov.uk/providers/moneytolearn/childcaretraininglearning/ or call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989.