Do savings affect student finance?

A question about : Do savings affect student finance?

I am wondering if I start saving now for my 1 year old, in order to contribute to university costs, could her having savings, impact her ability down the line to apply for student loans/scholarships/grants etc.

Whilst coming out of university debt free would be a great thing to achieve, if the loan rates are lower than interest on savings, particularly is a JISA is used, it could be worth while taking out loans and keeping the savings.

No one has a crystal ball so appreciate things may change over time, but I don't want to end up limiting options if that makes sense.

I didn't go to uni so have no idea how the fee's/finances work.

Best answers:

• Interest from savings counts towards income. Doesn't effect loans, only grants.
  And given this is at least 17 years away I wouldn't even be thinking about it.
  Universities may not even charge tution fees, or your DS/DD may not want to go to university.
• You can get an ISA for your child. It shouldnt effect your student grant