hi laura!
i may not be of too much help now, cos the way to apply has changed considerably since i applied! you need to have english & maths, and i believe A-levels, or equivalent NVQ, or an Access to nursing course.
you then apply through UCAS to the uni's nearest to you, as they will send you to the hospitals nearest to you. i dont think you have much chance of flexibility tho' - you would be required to do 5 days a week on the wards / community, and when in uni, although you would get reading days, that isnt very flexible either.
i cannot see OU running the course, as the idea would be to get as much done in a very little space of time - you must have 40 deliveries to qualify, as well as know an awful lot! lectures are pretty frequent, and you cannot really opt out of them. the girls who are at Salford, Huddersfield & Mcr uni (nearest to me), have to have their attendance book signed everyday!
however, i think you can do an access diploma thru' the OU, but dont quote me!!
nearly everywhere runs the degree course now, too - i got the diploma, then went on to do the degree part time when qualified.
to train, you would get a bursary of about £6, 500, on qualifying (2008 figures) about £20k (full time)
it is a really fantastic job, and well worth the training!!
if you need any more info, let me know - i know of some really good student midwives who may be of more use than me!!
good luck with it all,
love Nicki
xxxxxx