Lack of childcare support for parents in higher education | Letter

Key points

• Jamie Evans’ letter on childcare eligibility and the “nerd tax” (28 May) strongly resonated with me because I have experienced versions of this problem throughout higher education.
• In 2020, I was a single parent studying for a clinical master’s degree.
• I spent over 40 hours a week on compulsory NHS placements while completing academic work.
• During that time, I received universal credit, including the childcare element, which enabled me to continue my studies.
• But halfway through my degree I was informed that, because I was not technically earning while undertaking placements, I had never been eligible for childcare support and had to repay close to £10,000. I challenged the decision in court, but despite the Department for Work and Pensions having originally assessed me as eligible, I was still legally required to repay the money because I did not meet the criteria.