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Elizabeth Nuffield Educational Fund

Support for women students caring for adult dependants

Tue, 21 December 2004

The Elizabeth Nuffield Educational Fund helps student mothers who are studying for a first higher education qualification to improve their employment prospects.

The ENEF Committee has decided to widen the Fund's eligibility criteria from 2005. In future, as well as helping to pay childcare costs, the ENEF Committee will also consider applications from women students who are the primary carers of adult dependants with specific needs.

Poverty, low incomes and increased expenditure are all key issues for families with dependants in need of special care. The new Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act will place a duty on local authorities when assessing carers to consider, amongst other factors, if the carer wishes to work or study. Suitable care, however, whether for children or adult dependants, is often difficult to find and is usually expensive.

Some other changes have been made to the ENEF criteria:

• the lower age limit has now been removed: applications may be made by women up to the age of 50;
• any higher education course designated for student support by the Local Education Authority in a recognised institution will be considered;
• the gross household income limit has been raised to £21,475 per annum.

The next grant-making meeting is March 2005. For more information about the Fund and how to apply go to the ENEF website

Last Updated Wed, 11 January 2006