FE to HE - Supporting student parents' transition

This project aims to help student parents make the transition from Further to Higher Education by delivering personalised, flexible support to them through an innovative mentoring framework.

The project's website, www.studentparents.org, was launched in October 2010. It provides a range of online information and tools including:

• ‘Jargon buster’ to provide clear information about student support
• Budget calculator with information about financial support and tools to build their own budget
• Tips on preparing for higher education, including time management, childcare options and study skills
• Case studies from students already balancing higher education with parenthood

Over two academic years, beneficiaries will receive support at critical transition points. The evaluation will measure the effectiveness of this model of intervention and the progression outcomes of beneficiaries.

This collaborative project has involved college and university partners, students and voluntary sector partners. It will generate qualitative evidence on the needs and experiences of student parents and the online resources will be publicly accessible, ensuring the project will have impact beyond the immediate beneficiaries.