Download the report here.
Meet the Parents was launched at the House of Commons, where politicians, policy makers and student parents themselves met to discuss how the lives of students with children can be improved.
Speaking at the event, sponsored by NASWUT, MP Fiona MacTaggart congratulated NUS for brigning to light the struggles that student parents face and said the "picture for students parents was still a depressing one of barriers."
"This report shows the many barriers that student parents are faced with and it is up to us to remove those barriers," she said. "It would be selfish and irresponsible of those in authority not to take this report on board."
David Lammy MP agrees that more could be done to support students. "I'm not sure I could juggle being a student and a parent," he said.
"We're widening the doors to education and in that context we need to support student parents."
First hand account
The report draws on extensive primary research to build a detailed account of the realities of student life for parents. Despite three quarters of those surveyed feeling that being a student parent had been a positive experience, 60 per cent of students had thought about leaving their course.
Only 14 per cent of students with children feel that they have been given enough information about childcare, with only 18 per cent receiving enough information about financial support.
“This survey shows that student parents are hard working and passionate about education and about improving their own and their children's prospects," said NUS Women's Officer Katie Curtis.
Uphill struggle
Sadly, though, the report also highlights that student parents face an uphill struggle, battling with complex childcare arrangements, limited support and few chances to take part in student life outside the classroom.
Welfare Officer Ama Uzowuru said that more needs to be done, especially now that parents could be turning to education to reskill in a downturn.
“In the current economic climate, with the prospect of many people losing their jobs and having to learn new skills in order to pursue a different line of work, it is essential that we understand how difficult it can be for those with children to cope with the demands of college or university.
"Some of the barriers are so easy to get rid of," added Fiona. "Providing student parents with their timetable before term starts, for example.
"If every institution took a look at this report and asked themselves what could they achieve, even if they have no budget, they would find things in here that they could do now to make it easier for student parents."
Barriers
Chris Keates, General Secretary of teaching union NASUWT, said the report was an important piece of research.
“The NASUWT hopes that this report will be used by government to develop its policies for further and higher education.”
Life as a student parent
Lucy Potter took part in the project. She is one of many student parents juggling family, work and study commitments. Studying a degree in Childhood Studies at the University of Leeds, Lucy also has a part-time job and two children to look after. Read her story.
If you are not a member union, hard copies are available to purchase for £15 using this order form.
Meet the Parents launch in pictures