Learner Support What is Learner Support? The Learner Support Programme is a package of funds that help to remove finance as a barrier to participation in learning. The Learner Support schemes provide funding for learners to contribute to the costs incurred by participation such as living costs, books, equipment, travel and childcare. This resource outlines the support that is available for adults, aged 19+. What is available for adults? SchemeDescriptionWho is eligible?How to apply? Adult Learning GrantAdult Learning Grant pays up to £30 per week, subject to an income assessment, during term-time, to adults to help towards travel, study materials and any other costs associated with participating in learning. Aged 19 or over Studying full-time (at least 450 guided learning hours over an academic year) Doing their first full Level 2/3 Earning £19,513 or less if single, or £30,810 or less if part of a couple Meet the residency criteria. Learners can request an application from: Their college or Learning Provider Calling the helpline Dance and Drama AwardsThese are scholarships funded by the YPLA. They offer greatly reduced tuition fees and income-assessed support with living and learning costs at some of the leading independent Dance and Drama schools in England. Aged 16 or over for Dance and 18 for Drama An EU or EEA national and have three years continuous residence immediately prior to attending the course. The learner needs to contact their chosen accredited training provider to arrange for an audition. Further details on the 22 providers in the scheme can be found on Discretionary Learner SupportThere are a number of funds, which are awarded on a discretionary basis: 20+ Childcare, Residential Bursaries and 19+ Hardship. This funding is managed on a local basis and there are variations in eligibility, how much is awarded and how much is paid to the learner, but Providers must operate within the guidelines set out by the YPLA. These funds are available to support learners on Further Education provision funded by the YPLA or Skills Funding Agency. Residential Support SchemeThis scheme provides financial support with accommodation costs for learners who need to live away from home because their course is not available locally. Aged 16 or over Studying on a course at Level 2/3 Meet the residency criteria Be enrolled on a course that is at least 10 weeks Have term-time lodgings that are no further than 15 miles from their college. Learners should contact their college to find out if they participate with the scheme. Learners can request an application pack by calling or calling YPLA Publications on

Professional and Career Development Loans This is a deferred bank loan learners can use to help pay for work-related learning. Individuals can borrow from £300 to £10,000 from a participating bank to help support them on their course, contributing to costs such as fees and books. Individuals must start to repay the loan once their course has finished but the interest is paid while they are in learning and for one month afterwards. Aged 18 or over Meet the residency criteria (see Intending to work in the UK, EU or EEA after completing their course. Individuals can have up to £16,000 of savings and still remain eligible. Individuals can request an application pack by calling Individuals should check that their chosen Learning Provider is registered with the Programme by calling Applications should be made directly to the chosen participating bank. Where do I find out more? Website: Providers Learners Helpline: Providers Learners What is available for young people? Learner Support also provides financial support for young people (14-19). This includes Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and Care to Learn. Young people can ring the helpline on to find out more information, or visit the Directgov website at: Important note: Ministers have taken the decision to stop the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work trial scheme from August From 16 th July 2010, no new applications for the 2009/10 academic year will not be processed, and no learners can apply for the 2010/11 academic year. You can direct learners wanting more information to the Learner Support Service helpline on The Sixth Form College Childcare scheme will close at the end of the 2009/10 academic year. From 2010/11 Sixth Form Colleges and School Sixth Forms will receive an allocation of 20+ Childcare if they are funded for adult learning provision by the Skills Funding Agency. More information is available on the website at