Learner support
Discretionary Learner Support Funding Claim 2012/13
Funding Claim for Mid-year and year-end Adjustment for 2012/13 for Discretionary Learner Support
This document provides guidance to all providers preparing funding claims relating to Discretionary Learner Support for the contract year ending 31 July 2013.
The Agency requires all providers in receipt of Discretionary Learner Support in 2012/13 to return a Mid-year funding claim on 13 February 2013 and a Final claim on 14 October 2013. Information from these funding claims will be used to support the national funding models that determine future funding allocations.
The claim form is available on the Agency’s website.
Discretionary Learner Support
Discretionary Learner Support Funds can be used to help disadvantaged students with the costs associated with further education which may include course fees, childcare, transport costs, trips and other equipment.
The agency rules relating to Discretionary Learner Support can be found in the Skills Funding Agency Funding Rules.
Any queries should be directed to your Relationship Manager in the first instance.
Learners seeking further information should contact the student support officer at the college or school sixth form at which they study, or intend to study.
Loan Bursary Fund
Disadvantaged Learners who are accessing a 24+ Adult Learning Loan should be supported through the Loan Bursary Fund.
For more information providers should refer to the Loan Bursary Fund briefing paper and the Funding Rules.
Professional and Career Development Loan
A Professional and Career Development Loan is a commercial bank loan to help pay for learning that will improve the employability of the learner or lead them into employment.
Learning providers have to be registered on the Professional and Career Development Loan Register of Learning Providers before the learner can receive a Professional and Career Development Loan. To register as a Professional and Career Development Loan Learning Provider for the first time, the provider will need to read the Requirements for Registration guidance and complete the appropriate registration document.
Learners should visit www.direct.gov.uk/pcdl for more information or call 0800 100 900 to order an application pack.
Professional and Career Development Loan Resources for Advisors
This section is aimed at providing key messages and materials on Professional and Career Development Loans for individuals that provide impartial information, advice and guidance to potential learners, such as University or College careers advisers, Jobcentre Plus advisers, Next Step advisers and Union learning representatives.
Materials included in this section should not be used by learning providers that are on the Professional and Career Development Loans Register, as an inducement to encourage learners to enrol on their courses. Learning providers must act responsibly in helping individuals choose learning and support that is relevant to their needs and abilities.
The Big Picture is a desk aid which IAG professionals can use to help them advise learners about Professional and Career Development Loans.
