Learner Support Funds
Discretionary Learner Support Funds
If you are on low income, the Discretionary learner Support Fund may be able to make an award to assist you with some of the essential costs related to your course. Some of the things you may be able to get assistance with are help with buying books, kits/materials, equipment and educational trips.
The Discretionary Learner Support Fund may also be able to help students over 20 years of age with childcare. Students who have children and are on a low income may apply for help to pay for Ofsted registered childcare provision whilst they are studying on full or part-time courses, subject to availability of funds. Students will be liable for all childcare costs until their application has been approved. Please talk to Student Welfare Services before booking a childcare place. Students 20 years of age or under, please see information regarding Care to Learn. Please be advised that Discretionary Learner Support Funds can only be used for courses that are Government funded.
For further information on the Discretionary Learning Support Fund, please contact: Student Welfare Services on 01582 477776.
Care to Learn
This is currently a scheme that enables young students, with children, to access money for childcare. Students have to be 16-20 years of age and studying a full or part-time course. Children have t be placed with an Ofsted registered childcare provider. There is also money available for travel to and from the childcare provider. This money will not affect any benefits the student, or the student’s family, are receiving.
Please contact Student Welfare Services who will advise and assist you with your application on 01582 477776.
Travel – Bus passes
Please contact the Student Welfare team for up-to-date information, or contact your Local Education Authority directly.
Accommodation
We can help you by providing you with a list of available accommodation in the area. Please contact Student Welfare Services.
Higher Education
For new students:
31 May 2012 is the deadline for applying for your student finance so, if you’re planning to start a full-time course at university or college later this year and haven’t applied yet for your student finance, go online today and apply at www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
You don’t have to have a confirmed place – simply use your first choice of course and change it online at a later date if you need to.
For continuing students:
29 June 2012 is the deadline for re-applying for your student finance so, if you’re returning to a full-time course at university or college later this year and haven’t applied yet for your student finance, go online today and apply at www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
Our full ‘toolkit’ of resources can be accessed from our practitioners’ website at www.practitioners.co.uk/marketing
