Childcare
If you need to pay for childcare while studying, you can apply for assistance with this cost from the college. The college will provide help with eligible childcare costs, however it is means-assessed and subject to fee caps.
Childcare funding is assessed and paid directly to the childcare provider. It is paid in arrears and is for care only. Any additional costs such as registration fees or for meals will not be covered.
Our childcare funds are provided by the Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland. Currently we do not have confirmed guidance for the administration of childcare funding. We will update this page with information as soon as we receive it.
Please Note: Any information on this page may be subject to change at any time without notice.
Eligible Childcare
The college can assist with childcare costs incurred during timetabled hours, plus an additional hour before and after for travel. Depending on the type of childcare, there are also maximum fee caps.
Childcare funding is means-tested. This means that if you have a partner, their income level will determine the amount of funding you can receive. If your partner is not employed, then you will not be eligible to receive any childcare funding.
Students are responsible for paying any ineligible or additional costs to their childcare provider. For more specific information, contact Student Funding directly.
Download our Childcare funding guide
Lone Parents
If you are a lone parent, your childcare funding application will not be means-assessed. You will be able to apply for the full cost of any eligible childcare.
There is the Lone Parents’ Childcare Grant (LPCG) which is up to £1,215 for formal childcare costs. The college draws this funding on your behalf, so you don’t need to do anything other than apply for childcare to get this funding. Even if you are not eligible for funds from the college childcare fund, you may still be able to access the LPCG.
The Lone Parents’ Grant is also available for HE students and this is applied for through SAAS. The Lone Parents’ grant is an award of up to £1,305 for lone parents and is paid directly to the student. Or you may receive extra allowances against your assessable income. Contact SAAS for more information.
Information for Childcare Providers
If you are a childcare provider looking for information on how childcare funding works, you can read our Childcare Fund – Provider’s Handbook.
This handbook should answer most questions, but if you need additional information you can contact Student Funding.
Contact Us
Email: funding@forthvalley.ac.uk
Phone: 01324 403041 (Mon-Fri 9am-1pm)
During term-time you can speak to a member of the Student Funding Team in the Student Hub at our Falkirk Campus, Mon-Fri 9am-1pm.
Forth Valley College, Grangemouth Road, Falkirk, FK2 9AD
To see us outside of term-time, please contact us to make an appointment.
To schedule an appointment with one of our team members, please send us an email or reach out to us by phone using the above contact information.