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Is there school after baby?
Your education does not have to end because you have become a parent.
Studying or training with a young baby will not be as easy as when there was only yourself to think about but it’s not impossible. It’s hard work – but worth it. With a qualification, you can get the kind of work you enjoy and both you and your baby will be better off.
Are you still in school?
By law you must remain in school until you’re 16 years of age. If you do not attend, the school principal will ask an Education Welfare Officer to contact you. Explain to the Education Welfare Officer about what you find difficult about school. S/he will talk to the school to see how they can make it easier for you. If you’ve no contact with an Education Welfare Officer, think of teachers within the school that you like – someone you can talk to.
The Home School Liaison Co-ordinator or the School Completion Co-ordinator are well used to talking to students who find school difficult for any reason. Your SPHE teacher and the Career Guidance teacher also have special roles in looking after students who need extra support. So try to find a teacher that you are comfortable talking to.
What if you miss school due to your pregnancy?
You will probably miss school for at least some time before and after the birth of your baby. Ask your school about the Home Tuition Scheme. This scheme means that a teacher can come to your home to keep you up to date with your class work. You can get 9 hours tuition per week for at least 10 weeks and it’s free. By doing this, you will not have fallen behind when you do return to school.
Is your baby due around exam times?
Don’t give up if your baby is due in June. The Department of Education & Science will do everything possible to make you comfortable during your exams. You may be given a room to yourself with your own supervisor and be allowed to take a break unlike the other students. Some young mums have even done their exams in the maternity hospital! It’s still your life and your choice.
Always remember that what you do after your baby is born is your choice. A new baby will bring a lot of changes to your life and you’ll need plenty of energy. You may decide to remain at home full time with him or her. Or you may decide to combine being a parent with school or training. Look for advice - but don’t feel under pressure to do anything which you believe is not best for yourself and your baby at that time. Remember you can always go back to education or training when you feel more ready.
Returning to education or training
If you decide to return to school you’ll have lots to think about. What course will suit you best? Should you go part time or full time? Will you be able to afford it? Who will look after your baby? Can you get help with childcare and other costs?
The Government has schemes to help people like you finish school and get training. Phone one of the organisations listed below to help you work out which of these schemes best match your situation.
Who will mind my baby?
Sometimes this is the hardest decision of all. You’ll want to be sure that your baby is getting the best possible care when you’re not there. And, if you have no one within your family willing to mind your baby, childcare is very expensive. If you think you’ll need a place in a crèche put your baby’s name on the waiting list as soon as s/he is born.
You will receive the Early Childcare Supplement of €1,100 a year for each of your children but this will cover only a small part of your costs. Community Crèches are less expensive than a private crèches so check out if there is one in your area. Ask the manager of the community crèche if you can get a childcare supplement.
Some third level colleges also have crèches which are subsidised and you should contact them as soon as you make your decision to go to college. Ask your college about Student Access Funds and ask if there are any special funds to help you with childcare. If you live in a Partnership Area you may be able to get a Millenium Grant. Some charities such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul may also be able to help.
You can talk to these organisations about where you might get help with the cost of childcare:
- Information Officer at Treoir, LoCall: 1890 252 084.
- Employment Service (LES) through FÁS Head Office: 01 607 0500 or www.fas.ie
- Waterford Student Mother’s Project: 051 8442200,
- Galway Young Mothers in Education: 093 28494
Content developed by Treoir the National Information Centre for Unmarried Parents.
For further supportive information, please contact Treoir on:
LoCall: 1890252084
Tel: 01–6700 120
Email: info@treoir.ie.
