Childcare boost for student parents

Welsh further and higher education institutions are being urged to pay more attention to childcare as part of government moves to reduce the number of people claiming benefits.

The organisation Chwarae Teg, "Fair Play", has produced guidelines for colleges and universities on setting up childcare facilities and helping student parents.

The initiative is supported by the Welsh Office and the Welsh Further and Higher Education Funding Councils. The report calls on institutions to improve their services, given the increasing numbers of mature students, and the government's desire for parents to move from welfare into training and work.

A Fair Way Forward: Addressing Childcare Needs in Colleges and Universities by Jane Hutt. Pounds 8 (inc. p&p) from Chwarae Teg, Companies House, Maindy, Cardiff CF4 3UZ. Tel 01222 381331.