So ... Its been some time since I last logged onto this forum, in fact, the last time I was here it was when my first bundle of joy was just about to be born ... nearly 5 years ago ... since then, lots of change ... another visit from the stalk and a big family move over 300miles, which didn't go down well with the OH's family ... im back for more advice/suggestions/pat's on the back etc ...
The wife has been at college over the past year and has just passed her course which is allowing her to move onto Uni to study Children's Nursing ... Which is amazing. Its partly my fault as I've been really pushing her to do something that she wants to do but she's done amazingly well and she is really looking forward to starting in September.
My question is kind of about the money ...
I've got a good job, with a decent salary (not loads but enough) she has over the past year been working 16h a week, and has been getting a small amount towards nursery bills each month from I think, the Child Tax People.
She's just done the assessment for grants/loans with student finance and with the NHS Bursary and because we earn about £3000 more than the upper limit, we don't qualify for help when she starts in September.
The plan was for her to quit work and focus on her Uni, thus giving her more time at home ... BUT ... without the monthly salary (its only about £450 a month) but really helps. With the new term starting our nursery bill is going up to about £780 a month! Which is far more than she will get, and because she wouldn't work ... she wont get help form the Child Tax People.
I was wondering if anyone has been in similar situations and what they might have done?
Any ideas or suggestions?
I've suggested that she continues with work, just to see how it goes, but that went down like a lead balloon!
Help?
I don't know whether the course is available, but has she looked at the open university? That would allow her to continue.
Another option is to look at whether the university has any childcare facilities - they quite often do, and this might be cheaper than your nursery bill (and you only pay during term time) which might at least partially offset the loss in her salary.
too poor to afford uni, too rich to get support
Hi, in addition to what's been mentioned, it might be worth looking into additional bursaries or grants.
have a comprehensive list of providers.