Post 16 Learner Support Fund - Guidance Notes
GUIDANCE NOTES/CONDITIONS
POLICY ON
ASSISTANCE OFFERED BY THE LEARNER SUPPORT FUND (LSF)
The Learner Support Fund (LSF) is a cash-limited fund aimed at students
whose circumstances mean they have difficulties in affording their learning
costs and applies to expenses arising during the current academic year. Funding in subsequent years cannot be
guaranteed, though every effort will be made to continue to support those
students who carry on to a second year. It is recommended that students apply early
for assistance as once funds are used up no further support can be awarded. This Policy may be amended on occasions in
response to changes in Learning and Skills Council Guidelines.
PRIORITIES OF THE FUND
In line with Learning and Skills Council guidelines, the main priority
for LSF funding are those who are economically or socially disadvantaged, who
need support with learning costs and
are facing financial difficulty.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
An application to the fund does not guarantee an offer of assistance as
all applications are considered on an individual basis while taking into
account the amount of funding available. Guidelines are given below:
Who
is eligible?
Students aged 16-18 are eligible
if they live in South Gloucestershire, are over compulsory school leaving age
and in school sixth form education. Priority
will be given to the following:
· those in care or recently left care;
· those on probation;
· young parents and those who are considered to be at
risk;
· those eligible for fee remission because they are
themselves, or they are the dependant of someone else who is, receiving a
means-tested state benefit or Tax credit;
· students with learning difficulties and/or
disabilities;
· those who are medically ill.
Students who have enrolled or intend to enrol on a Learning and Skills
Council-funded full-time or part-time course that leads to a qualification. If applicable, the course shows progression
from a previous course studied. Students
repeating a similar level course may not be eligible for assistance.
Income
The threshold for eligibility for 2008/2009 is a gross current household
income of less than £16,040 per year
from April 2009.
All applications to the fund are means-tested and documentary evidence
must be supplied.
Receipt of Other Financial Support
Payments from the LSF for fees, transport, books and equipment do not
normally affect social security benefits. Students requiring further information on whether LSF payments will
affect their benefit position should obtain advice form their local Benefits
Agency office. Students can receive
other support such as Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) but income from
this funding will be taken into account. Evidence of this may be requested.
Attendance on Course
Support may be withdrawn or reduced if the successful LSF applicant does
not maintain good attendance in accordance with the school’s Attendance Policy
and show good commitment to their studies. To monitor this, the administrator will liaise
with course tutors. Where LSF support
has been awarded previously, attendance for that year will be taken into
account in making a decision on whether to award support.
Residency Status
The school has to abide by the residence conditions set by the
Government. Evidence of a student’s
residency status may be required, such as passport and/or other clear evidence
of length of stay in
Further advice should be sought from South Gloucestershire Council who
may contact the Learning and Skills Council about individual cases.
ASSISTANCE MAY BE OFFERED FOR THE FOLLOWING COSTS
A maximum of £250 may be offered in any one year. Up to 100% assistance may be given with the
costs given below. However, students on
part-time courses will receive a maximum of 50% assistance for these costs.
Tuition Fees, Examination and/or Registration Fees and
Materials Fees – students are advised about these costs at enrolment and if
the course is funded by the Learning and Skills Council. Learning and Skills Council guidance
stipulates that funding for course fees has to be directed towards those
applicants who fall within the agreed priorities.
Books & Equipment – e.g. uniforms, kits, essential course materials
(not ordinary stationery items). Where
books and non-consumable equipment are funded 100% by the LSF these items
remain the property of the school and must be returned at the end of the
course. Receipts for any items purchased
must be submitted. Delayed submission of
receipts may result in loss of support.
Other assistance available – application
will also be considered for support towards:
· The cost of attending essential work placements or
course trips – a letter of support must be submitted by the tutor giving dates
and costs.
· University interviews and travel costs – a letter
of support must be submitted by the tutor giving dates and costs.
· Disability related costs – please specify, using an
additional sheet if necessary, together with costs.
· Hardship payment. Please submit in writing details of the circumstances and costs.
Please note: you will not receive funding if you have any outstanding debts with the
school.
PAYMENTS / REFUNDS TO STUDENTS
Refunds are made by cheque. Refunds
for travel, materials, etc. can only be made against a receipt or tickets. Payments can be made in advance directly to a
supplier in special circumstances where details of supplier and items are
notified. Course fees are paid by
internal transfer.
PROCEDURE FOR APPEALS
Students are advised in writing on the award offer and of the reasons if
they are not made any offer. They can
appeal against this decision. Appeals
should be in writing, addressed to:
Head of Access, Asset Management & Planning
Department for Children and Young People
South Gloucestershire Council
Bowling Hill
Chipping Sodbury
The decision made will be final and the student will be advised of the
outcome and the reasons that the appeal was upheld or rejected. In some cases, the Student Access &
Support Team may decide to arrange an appointment with the student to discuss
the appeal.
If you have any queries about the LSF, please contact Student Access
& Support, on 01454 863288, or email educ.grants@southglos.gov.uk.