Functional skills - maths, literacy, ICT, time management

• Open University Openings course “Starting with Maths”
• Learndirect online taster courses “Skills for Life” programme
• Move On lets you test your maths and literacy skills online, and helps prepare you for the National Certificate in Adult Numeracy and the National Certificate in Adult Literacy
• The Open University’s OpenLearn project offers free downloadable educational material on a range of subjects.
• BBC Skillswise uses factsheets, worksheets, quizzes and games
• BBC RaW (reading and writing) can help develop your skills through online activities such as games, quizzes and tests
• The Open University Skills for Study offers a range of study skills materials
• There are various electronic 'to-do' lists available including the one provided by Tada
• Backpack offers not only 'to-do' lists but a place to keep notes and other resources online

Childcare

• Child Tax Credit and Working Families Tax Credit are means-tested allowances for parents and carers of children
• Care to Learn gives childcare support to young parents
• Surestart offers information about childcare support for students and lone parents
• Eververybody can request flexible working hours from their employer and parents of children under 6, or children with a disability under 18, have special rights – Business Link has practical advice for employers
• Childcare Link is an interactive map which enables you to find details of childcare facilities and services in Sussex
• Information about tax and national insurance contributions and childcare voucher schemes
• Schools finder information about local provision
• What to look for when choosing a childminder
• Recommended childcare providers in your local area

Choosing a college or university

• Sussex Learning Network offers a wide range of information and advice about learning opportunities in Sussex, plus links to all the local colleges and universities
• Foundation degrees in Sussex has facilities to search by subject or institution
• Attend an open day to find out more about individual institutions and courses
• UCAS is the central organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges. There is a seach facility on the website for all HE courses in the UK.

Financial help

• Department for Children, Schools and Families
• Website of the UK government - student finance
• Student Finance Direct
• Student Money

International students

• The National Recognition Information Centre evaluation service checks the equivalence of qualifications
• The International English Language Testing System produces specimen tests in writing, reading and listening
• English UK has information about accredited English language courses and advice for students
• The Council for International Education provides advice to international students studying or planning to study in the UK

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