Student Parent blue Meet the Parents

Literature review Seventeen interviewees 78 focus group participants 2167 survey respondents, from 270 institutions The Research

Motivations to study “As a single parent I could have sat around all day and lived off benefits, but I don’t see the point in that. Although uni can be very stressful, I think I would have been more unhappy if I hadn’t been doing something to improve my prospects… It gives me some routine and structure in my life, and sets a good example for the kids – I want them to see me doing something with my life.”

“I have to get my son to school for 9am. How can I be in college and at school at the same time? You can’t be in two places at once!” “I find it difficult when I hear people say ‘oh great, it’s Christmas’…I find holidays more difficult than term time.” Course design “When I was pregnant I did not tell any of my tutors... When I finally needed to talk to someone, nobody would help me…my personal tutor dismissed me as his tutee and told me to find someone to ask.”

Students’ Unions “ I would like to be involved, but I would need a nanny and a PA!” “You see people handing out flyers, and you walk past with your buggy and they don’t hand you one as if to say ‘you couldn't possibly attend’.”

Finances “I receive no funding for childcare, so all of my PhD funding is spent on that.” “Student finance is a minefield. No-one seems to be clued up about it and I seem to get a different story every time I speak to someone.” “I’ve never had debt in my life, I don’t believe in it. Now I am in loads of debt – not for a car or a house – just to get an education.”

Information

Childcare “As my child was unplanned, I did not know to apply a year in advance, so my mother has to stay at home every day to look after my son.” “I want one or two hours a day for my three children. That’s not what my childminders want. They want full days.” “Nursing course work placements are anything but family and child friendly. A single parent would struggle to stay on the course.”

Implications “I find it incredible that they rant on at me about time management. I’ve got five kids; I’m good at time management!” “I had to fight to get my last grant because of my children being sick and the nursery not letting them go in. I got it because my tutor got involved, but it’s wrong really.”

Implications “I am the only student parent in my class, and as a result I feel incredibly isolated and lonely.” “I feel too young for mature students events, but too responsible for others.” “It’s important not to always assume that parents have young children, but to remember school-age children also need looking after.”

Implications “I came home on Friday and this post-it note was stuck on my computer by my seven-year-old daughter that said ‘Don’t go on puter Mummy’. That horrified me – I thought, ‘Do I go on the computer that much?” “Having to sit up until 2am to get work finished, get up during the night to feed my baby and then get up early to get me and baby ready is very hard.” “I just hope our poverty doesn’t put our kids off studying.”

Implications “ I had to use informal childcare at the beginning because there were no other options.” “I’m lucky enough to have my sister look after my boy for me so I can study and work. The downside is that I get no money to pay her as she is family, so I have to pay her out of my wages.” “I feel guilty…I feel that parents and grandparents should be able to get some kind of allowance…I don’t think my mum should have to register her qualifications, because her qualification was bringing me up.”

Changes for the better Data collection Flexible teaching and learning practices Child-friendly students’ unions More funding – hidden extras, childcare, discretionary Recognition of informal childcare Improved information, advice and guidance New approaches to childcare

Why is it worth it? “It would be really nice if there were a group like this today…you all know what I am talking about.” “Having children is the best incentive to do well. I do the best I can to provide a secure future for my family.” “I couldn’t do this a couple of months ago. I couldn’t talk in front of a group of people. I was really shy, It’s really helped my confidence.” “My daughter is four. If you say to her ‘ where are you going after nursery?’ She says ‘school’. ‘Where are you going after school?’ ‘I’m going to college’ ‘Where are you going after college’ ‘My mum says I have got to go to uni!’” “I’ve just loved it here. I’ve met fab people…it’s been the best thing I have ever done.” “I’m taking my children to the SU Christmas party for the first time this year – I have never been offered the opportunity before.”

Thank you