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. Despite effectively working full-time hours in NHS settings and providing supervised unpaid patient care, I was still considered a “non-earner”.
I am now undertaking a PhD while raising three children and relying on my husband’s income and my stipend. Childcare costs may make my PhD financially impossible when I return from maternity leave following the birth of my third child. Under the current system, many families cannot access meaningful childcare support if one parent is undertaking postgraduate education rather than conventional paid employment.
The system increasingly makes higher education inaccessible to families without financial backing or relatives who are able to help. The message that many parents receive is simple: you can have children or you can pursue higher education, but trying to do both is only realistic if you already have money behind you.
Roberta Leem-Bruggen
Winchburgh, West Lothian
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