Books. Education and return-to-work guides for single parents

Citation

(2003), "Books. Education and return-to-work guides for single parents", Education + Training, Vol. 45 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2003.00445bad.001

Books. Education and return-to-work guides for single parents

Education and return-to-work guides for single parents

The National Council for One-Parent Families has published three new guides for lone parents who want to move into education, training or employment. The guides, free to lone parents, aim to give them confidence to move forward and make the best of their situation.

New Directions is for lone parents who want to explore their options for work, training and education. It focuses on enabling lone parents who have decided to make changes to think about what interests them, what is suitable for them and so what kind of work to look for. It also looks at further study or training options. The guide aims to help lone parents to think through the direction they wish to take and build a strategy for putting their plans into action. There are practical exercises to help lone parents to find the right direction, and information on sources of advice and support. A section on learning describes the range of education and training options available. There are also plenty of tips on applying for jobs and juggling home and work.

Further Education: Money Guide for Lone Parents is for single parents who want to know about training and education options as a route to boosting their skills in preparation for work. It covers the cost of study, financial help with the extra expenses and the effect of study on benefit claims. There is information on child-care provision and paying for it, and general advice on trying to reduce expenditure. In addition, there are pointers on where to go for help when financial, personal or study issues threaten to undermine the student's study and domestic arrangements. The guide centres on study in England and Wales. One Parent Families Scotland is producing a Scottish version of the guide.

Higher Education: Money Guide for Lone Parents focuses on the complicated sources of finance available to lone parents studying for a degree, whether full time or part time. It also looks at what is available for health-studies, teacher-training and postgraduate courses. The guide covers statutory and discretionary funding, benefit entitlement and the effect of student support on benefits. It also includes advice on budgeting and money saving, and on where to go when difficulties arise. The guide relates mainly to study in England and Wales.

The free booklets may be ordered through the One Parent Families help line, on 0800 018 5026, or by visiting: www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk