NHS trainees get childcare help

Students who are being funded by the NHS to train in areas like nursing, midwifery or physiotherapy could get help with childcare costs from September.

The scheme will cover up to 85 per cent of childcare costs and help around 6,000 students a year. Students with one child could receive up to £114 per week or £170 per week for two or more children.

Health Secretary John Reid said that financial commitments like childcare costs can make training less attractive - particularly for mature students, single parents and those with partners on a low wage.

"I want parents who are interested in becoming nurses, midwives or physiotherapists to start their training knowing that the NHS will help them with childcare while they learn.

"It is crucial that the NHS recruits and retains talented and skilled individuals. To do this we must widen access to professional training and boost student retention."

The scheme is expected to cost the government £17m a year. The new allowance will be means-tested so that funding can be targeted where it's needed most. The money will cover childcare costs for under-15s, or under-17s if the child has special needs.