Meet The Parents Report

Meet the Parents draws on extensive primary research to build a detailed account of the realities of student life for parents. Despite three quarters of those surveyed feeling that being a student parent had been a positive experience, 60 per cent of students had thought about leaving their course.

Only 14 per cent of students with children feel that they have been given enough information about childcare, with only 18 per cent receiving enough information about financial support.

“This survey shows that student parents are hard working and passionate about education and about improving their own and their children's prospects," said NUS Women's Officer Katie Curtis.

Sadly, though, student parents face an uphill struggle, battling with complex childcare arrangements, limited support and few chances to take part in student life outside the classroom.

Welfare Officer Ama Uzowuru says that more needs to be done, especially now that more parents could be turning to education to reskill in the downturn.

“In the current economic climate, with the prospect of many people losing their jobs and having to learn new skills in order to pursue a different line of work, it is essential that we understand how difficult it can be for those with children to cope with the demands of college or university.

“There is a serious lack of support available for and about student parents. Many institutions don’t even know how many students with children they have on campus. Colleges and universities need to collect much more information about students with children, and about the support needed to help them through their course. Without this information, student parents will continue to struggle.”

Important research

Politicians, campaigners, policy makers and student parents themselves will discuss the changes needed to improve the experiences of those students with children. Chris Keates, General Secretary of teaching union NASUWT , said: “This is an important piece of research highlighting the barriers and challenges faced by students who are parents.

“It is critical, not only for the individuals themselves, but for their children that they have a positive experience of accessing education to enable them to develop their skills and talents and achieve their full potential.

“The NASUWT hopes that this report will be used by Government to develop its policies for further and higher education.”

Life as a student parent

Lucy Potter took part in the project. She is one of many student parents juggling family, work and study commitments. Studying a degree in Childhood Studies at the University of Leeds, Lucy also has a part-time job and two children to look after. Read her story

Download the report now.