The University of Leeds believes that being or becoming pregnant, terminating a pregnancy or having children or caring responsibilities should not, in itself, be a barrier to applying for, starting, succeeding in, or completing a programme of study at the University of Leeds.  Providing academic standards are upheld, we are committed to being as flexible as possible to support students in these circumstances and ensure they have access to their course.

Policy on support for pregnant students & students with very young children

We now have in place a comprehensive policy on support for pregnant students and students with very young children. This document provides both students and staff – particularly personal tutors, academic tutors, programme managers, postgraduate research tutors and all other staff who have a role in advising or supporting students – with information about the University’s approach to supporting a student, or prospective student, who is pregnant or has decided to terminate a pregnancy or is a primary adopter.  It also provides some information relating to supporting a student (whether female or male) who has recently become a parent (including through adoption) or is the partner of someone who has a very young child.

Policy on support for students who are parents or carers

The policy on support for students who are parents or carers provides prospective students, current students and staff – particularly student education support staff, personal tutors, academic tutors, postgraduate research tutors and all other staff who have a role in advising or supporting students – with information about the University’s approach to supporting students with dependants.

Are there other sources of support available on campus?

You may also wish to consider contacting any of the following sources of advice, information and practical support on campus:

• Access to Learning Fund, which can provide financial assistance to students
• Accommodation Services
• Leeds University Union (LUU) which can provide advice to students via their Student Advice Centre and can also provide a range some practical and financial support – for example, through their New Born Baby Fund, Abortion Fund and the Student Parents’ Assembly
• The University’s Lifelong Learning Centre have put together a web page on the range of support available for student parents 
• Student Counselling Centre
• Universities Chaplaincy in Leeds
• International Student Office
• Bright Beginnings Childcare Centre an on-campus nursery for children aged between 3 months and 5 years – telephone: 0113 343 1818

The government has also produced a Every child matters website for looking for childcare.