Question Feedback

@ David Lammy
Labour MP for Tottenham and Minister of State for Innovation Universities and Skills Oct 2008 - May 2010

Are there any plans to improve the funding system for part time students, particularly in the light of the recent welfare reforms (which mean that single parents with children aged over 7 will no longer... Show more »Are there any plans to improve the funding system for part time students, particularly in the light of the recent welfare reforms (which mean that single parents with children aged over 7 will no longer be able to combine part-time study and parenting without taking on the additional burden of a full time job)? Part time study now only seems to be a viable option for people who either have no dependent children, a high income, or exceptionally good social support.

Many student parents (especially single parents) only feel able to study part time whilst maintaining an adequate standard of parenting. Full time study is extremely demanding for people trying to juggle university with caring responsibilities; many feel that their studies, family life &/or mental health tend to suffer if they attempt to study full time or combine part time study with full time work. Single parents have often only been able to take advantage of the educational opportunities available because they were able to claim income support, and now this is no longer an option I can't see how they will be able to study without a great deal of difficulty unless additional funding is made available.

Increased financial support for part time students would really help to further the cause of widening participation; currently part time students must have an adequate income and high levels of flexibility in their other commitments (i.e. job, family life etc), effectively ruling out whole sections of the population (particularly those from lower socio-economic groups & single parents). I realise that in a time of recession there is little extra money to go around, but in the medium to long term it makes economic sense to equip "disadvantaged" members of society with the education and skills that will enable them to make the most of themselves. Show less »

Submitted by: saskia | 5 votes for this..

0 comments | Topic: Education | Report |