Yes, UK, full-time undergraduate students (including those on a PGCE course) with dependent children can apply for dependents grants to help with the cost of studying such as Childcare Grant, Parents Learning Allowance or Adult Dependents Grants. These grants are means tested. 

If you’re a nursing or social work student, you may be eligible for extra support from the NHSBSA. Nursing students can apply for the Exceptional Support Fund (after applying for help through the Manchester Met hardship funds first). 

You can apply to the University financial support funds such as the Day to Day Support (hardship fund) and Crisis Support (for emergencies). If you’re unsure, give them a call on 0161 247 1045.  

You can usually receive government benefits if you’re a part-time student, have dependent children, are sick or disabled or you’re over pension age. If you would like more guidance on benefits. Reach out to our Advice Team  

You can also use this grant search tool to look for grants from around the UK 

If you need help with food, the Advice Team may be able to help with arranging a food parcel for you from a local food bank. Get in touch with the team to discuss.

Yes, the University has a hardship grant that students can apply for once they have enrolled at Manchester Met called the Day to Day Support, applications usually open in late September. Applications from students with children and especially lone parents are prioritised, so you’re strongly encouraged to apply. It can take over 4 weeks for applications to be processed, so we recommend applying as early as possible to avoid a financial crisis. It’s important to note that funds are limited, therefore support isn’t guaranteed across the year. 

Students with dependent children may be eligible to claim benefits. Some of your student loan may be classed as income and if you have a partner, any income that they have may also be used to work out how much you're entitled to. Here at the Advice Centre we can help figure out how much you could expect to get.

• Child Benefit - this is a fixed amount per child of £24.00 per week for your first child and £15.90 per week for any further children.
• Universal Credit - this is a means-tested benefit for people on a low income. It's replacing six other means-tested benefits (including Housing Benefit and Tax Credits) and is paid monthly. If you're a full-time student and have dependent children, you may be eligible to make a claim. The amount you get depends on your income (including your student loan) and your circumstances (e.g. your rent, age and how many children you have).
  We can help with calculating your entitlement.

Unfortunately not, the University does not have links with a childcare provider. The website of your local council should have a database of registered childcare providers within your area, listed by Manchester City Council

It can be difficult to arrange your childcare before you know when you’ll need to be on campus, so try to get your timetable as soon as possible. The Student Hub should be able to help you with this. 

Remember, you may also need to arrange childcare for periods of self-study when you’re not on campus.

The University cannot pay your childcare costs, but they may be able to contribute to them through the Day to Day Support (hardship fund). Also check if you can apply for a Childcare Grant or if you can receive help from the government 

If you're pregnant, the University recommends sharing this with a member of staff so that measures can be discussed to help you continue your course. These are mostly short-term such as approved absences from the course for appointments, but they can also include things like a suspension of studies or if possible, moving to part-time study. What’s available is looked at on a case-by-case basis. You can initially contact your personal tutor, or another academic tutor and a meeting would be arranged shortly afterwards with the appropriate member of staff. Otherwise, you can contact the Inclusion Service.

For more information, visit the Manchester Met website where you’ll find student pregnancy, maternity and adoption guidelines.

There's no academic support specifically aimed at students with children, but some of the support available to all students may be particularly helpful if you're balancing studying with family life:

• Study Skills Team: Can help with study skills such as writing, numeracy, presentations, time management and revision
• Wellbeing Advisers: There for students with worries or anxiety who would find it helpful to talk to someone
• If you're having difficulties on your course, make sure you speak to an academic tutor and support services as soon as possible
• Extensions: If you think you’ll miss an assessment deadline, or your performance has been affected due to unexpected events (such as your child being ill) please consider asking for an extension. You can find out how to request an extension on the Manchester Met website

Family Lives - a charity that offers support to families who are struggling. They can help with issues such as family breakdown, challenging behaviour, debt, and emotional and mental wellbeing.

Adoption UK - offers advice and training to adoptive parents.

Gingerbread - a charity for single parent families.

The University’s Wellbeing Advisers are there for you.

• You can contact the Inclusion service
• The University Counselling and Wellbeing Team are available to talk
• The University encourages you to share this information with them so that you can discuss measures that will assist in continuing your course. After speaking with the Inclusion Service, you can contact your personal tutor, or other academic tutor
• You can find information on The Manchester Met website about student pregnancy policy
• Your GP can discuss your clinical options and issues linked to your health
• The Advice Centre can give you financial advice and explain some options relating to your course
• Extensions: If you think you may miss a deadline or think that your performance has been affected because of this please consider asking for an extension, you can find out how to request an extension on the Manchester Met website