Learning Provision for Young Parents

A survey of learning providers

Dench S | Report 440 | Institute for Employment Studies | Jun 2007

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Care to Learn is a UK government initiative that provides financial support for teenage parents who want to continue in, or return to learning. It helps with the cost of their childcare and travel.

As part of the national evaluation of Care to Learn, a telephone survey of learning providers was conducted relating to the 2005/06 academic year. Interviews were carried out with representatives of schools, sixth form colleges, FE colleges, pupil referral units and work-based learning providers.

This report explores the extent to which learning providers are engaged with teenage parents and Care to Learn, and the extent to which they are addressing the specific needs of young parents. The data suggest a relatively high level of flexibility and provision for young parents, even within institutions that rarely engage with this group.