Education
One Family understand the experience of parenting alone and sharing parenting, and how challenging it can be to move back into education or find fulfilling employment. Returning to work or pursuing a course can be a daunting experience but it can also be a very positive one. Finding out what supports are available to you is a great starting point. There are many available options for learning; from attending a college on a full time basis, to part-time and evening courses as well as on-line courses and distance learning so you may find something that fits with your needs.
Generally speaking, full time courses in many further and higher education colleges, universities and institutes of technology have the added bonus of some financial support. This may come from social welfare payments, such as the Back to Education Allowance or being able to remain on the One-Parent Family Payment or Jobseeker’s Allowance transitional payment or from student grants such as SUSI, if applicable, whereas part time courses are generally not funded.
On-line and distance learning usually have fees for their courses, as do the private colleges, so whilst they are often a great attraction as the study can be flexible, the cost of fees may be a factor you need to consider in making your choice.