Support for student parents
University parental leave policy
To support students seeking to take parental leave, the University’s Student Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave Policy 
(91kb) provides details of the arrangements for undergraduate, postgraduate taught, postgraduate research and overseas students who are about to have or adopt a child. The policy outlines how much leave students are entitled to, access to University facilities, graduate accommodation and childcare services and the provision for a flexible return to full-time study.
Postgraduate research students should particularly note the requirements for applying for maternity leave, including the forms required and timings for notifying their college, supervisor and Director of Graduate Study.
Postgraduate students currently suspended from study (prior to 17 June 2011) to take parental leave may not make retrospective requests for their leave to be recalculated under the new arrangements. If you have already taken the six terms of leave your board may allow and have taken parental leave you may apply via your college to the Education Committee for permission to suspend your studies for a further period.
Oxford University Student Union Resources
The Oxford University Student Union (OUSU) provides a number of resources for Student Parents, such as a comprehensive Student Parent Handbook with information about childcare throughout the university, colleges, city, and holiday play schemes as well as information about childcare for children with disabilities and funding for student parents. OUSU also has a mailing list that disseminates pertinent information about family friendly events, funding opportunities, and wanted items for parents. There are also OUSU Student Parent socials where parents and children can come, have tea and biscuits, and meet other student parents. Please contact childcare@ousu.org for further information.Childcare services
The University and the colleges can help students with childcare needs through a comprehensive range of childcare services to include nurseries, play-schemes and help with the cost of childcare. The Childcare Services website provides information to students about all aspects of childcare to enable parents to make informed decisions that best suits their needs.
Oxfordshire County Council provides free information for parents on childcare provision in Oxford including day nurseries, childminders, or schools and after-school childcare provision. The Council can be contacted by telephone at: 08452 262636.