‘I spend my whole life worrying’: The experiences of student mothers working in the Early Childhood Sector

This study was designed to explore the experiences of student-mothers in higher education, with participants drawn from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within the discipline of Education and Childhood at a UK University. The study used a mixed open- and closed-question questionnaire and semi-structured follow-on interviews to capture students’ reflections on their experiences. Responses were considered in light of feminist perspectives, specifically the concerns raised by recent campaigns (Pregnant Then Screwed, 2015) regarding the social and economic pressures on women with young children. The research discovered that many student mothers are balancing the demands of academic work with childcare, financial pressures, and household responsibilities, often with limited or negligible support. The current cost of living crisis has further exacerbated problems, with students often working in poorly paid early childhood roles, whilst paying a premium to have their own children cared for when they attend lectures. We conclude that higher education institutions could improve student experience, retention and outcomes by recognising and responding to the additional and specific needs of this group.