Extend 30 hours free childcare to student midwives/nurses/paramedics

Most NHS midwifery, nursing and paramedic programmes are full-time courses running 46 weeks of the year. They are hard work and students play a vital role. However, students are not classed as workers, and are therefore not entitled to the 30 hours of free childcare available to working parents.

I am working just as hard as I was when I was employed by my local police force 12 months ago and yet as I am now considered a student and not a worker I can no longer claim the 30 hours free childcare for my 3 year old. There are shortages of many NHS staff so I can’t understand why the Government does not make it easier for parents to study for these roles.

Equivalent training roles for police are apprentices. These are treated as workers, so can claim the 30 free hours. This isn't fair given the equal value of all emergency service staff.

30 hours free childcare is an entitlement for working parents of three- and four-year-olds. It aims to help with the costs of childcare so that parents can take up paid work if they want to or work additional hours. The Childcare Bill policy statement (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childcare-bill-policy-statement), published in December 2015, is clear that students are not eligible for 30 hours free childcare. We recognise the value of parents continuing in education, however, and provide a range of support other than 30 hours for those in further or higher education.

Students are eligible for the universal 15 hours of free early education which is available to all three- and four-year olds regardless of family circumstances.

There are also forms of support provided by the government specifically for students, including those with children. More information on this help for students can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/support-while-you-study

This support includes the Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance. These schemes are available for full-time students with dependent children, including students on healthcare-related courses.

The Childcare Grant is available for parents in Higher Education undertaking a full-time undergraduate course and is paid to help with weekly childcare costs. The amount of childcare grant payable in 2022/23 will be based on 85% of actual childcare costs, subject to a maximum grant of £183.75 per week for one child only or £315.03 per week for two or more children.