These are bank loans that can be used to help pay for work related learning. You can borrow between £300 and £10,000 to help support the cost of up to two years of learning (or three years if it includes one year’s relevant unpaid practical work). The Young People’s Learning Agency will pay the interest on the loan while you are learning and for one month afterwards. The loan can be used to pay course fees or other costs such as travel and living expenses. You can also use the loan to supplement other forms of support such as grants or bursaries. Because the Professional and Career Development Loan is a commercial loan product, they should only be considered as an option once all other student funding options have been investigated. For further information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact Careers Advice on 0800 100 900.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

EMA is a national scheme to encourage young people to stay on in education. If you are a school leaver and you decide to move in to further education you will be eligible to apply for funding EMA is means tested on household income and whether you qualify and how much the allowance will be is decided by the assessment and payment body. If you are currently in year 11 you will be able to collect application forms from your school in April.

Further details available from the Student Services team on any campus or contact the: Assessment and Payment Body Student Helpline 0800 121 8989

Adult Learning Grant (ALG)

The Adult Learning Grant is a means-tested allowance of up to £30 per week for adults studying full-time for a first level 2 or level 3 qualification at a college of further education in the North East of England.

You may be eligible for an Adult Learning Grant if you:

• Are 19 or over and studying towards your first Level 2 or first Level 3 qualification
• Have a household income under £30,000
• Have been resident in England for the last three years
• Are in full-time learning (e.g. studying for at least 12 hours per week)

Please telephone: 0800 100 900

Help with childcare costs

There are two separate schemes to help learners with the cost of childcare.

1.Care to Learn

You can get “Care to Learn” if you:

• Are a parent and under 20 when you start learning;
• Follow a course in a college;
• Are caring for your own child(ren), whether you are the father or the mother;
• Are living in England; and
• Use a registered childcare provider

Please telephone: 0845 60 222 60

2.Childcare Funds from Learner Support Funds

If you are a parent and 20years old or over when you start learning you may still be able to get help with the costs of childcare through the college.

Ask at Student Services for a form to apply.

Students and Social Security

It is possible for many people to study whilst receiving benefit. The regulations regarding this are extremely complex and vary greatly depending upon individual circumstances. If you are unsure about your position please contact Student Services for a confidential chat.

Useful Links

Learners participating in funded projects where identified in the project specification will not have to pay. For further details check our Projects page www.adultlearninggrant.com

Learner Support Fund (LSF)

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

01642 333360/333606

Adult Learning Grant (ALG)

01642 333278