Learner Support Fund - Guidelines 2011-2012

Due to Government changes in funding streams support is not guaranteed and these Guidelines may be subject to change. Please log onto www.kcc.ac.uk website for any changes and up to date amendments.

This information is used to decide the level of award to be made to each eligible student. This information is not to be changed without the agreement of Learner Services Manager.

Students with a family/household gross income of over £16,190 p.a. are not eligible for assistance.

The Learner Services Manager has the authority to increase the level of award made in consideration of a student's extenuating circumstances. Normally support from the course tutor is required, preferably in writing, prior to any additional award being made.

UCAS Registration Fees:

No UCAS fees will be paid from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF)in 2011/2012. The purpose of DLSF is to support students' studies at Kensington & Chelsea College not their University studies.

CRB Checks

No CRB Checks will be paid from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund.

Not Eligible for Discretionary Learner Support Fund

Overseas students
Asylum Seekers aged 19 and over
Apprenticeship Programs
Higher Education
Participants in the New Deal for Lone Parents scheme may not benefit from full payment of childcare support costs from this scheme
Participants in all other New Deal options are not eligible for discretionary funding, as their funding needs are met under the New Deal

16-18 years

There is a small allocation of DLSF available to support student's age 16-18 with financial hardship. Students in this category are encouraged to apply for the 16-19 College Bursary to help with additional course cost.

Awards for Tuition Fees (Subject to available funds)

The Discretionary Learner Support Fund does not make awards for tuition fees.

If you have received an award for any equipment - Please note that students leaving courses prematurely are expected to return tools and equipment provided from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund to the College. These items can be retained to add to the tools and equipment held in each Curriculum Division.

Awards for Trips & Excursions (Subject to available funds)

Trips and excursions scheduled to take place during the academic year that have been notified to the Student Finance Officer, by beginning of the academic year may be eligible for financial assistance from the Learning Support Fund.

Payment will be made per student per trip. The tutor must verify that the student participated in the trip.

For all trips:

Full costs to be paid up to a maximum of £100 per year for the following students:

Full-time students in receipt of means tested state benefits.
Part-time students in receipt of means tested state benefits.
Students in receipt of low income.

* Please note that Awards from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund will only be made in relation to Fees and Material/Equipment costs if there are additional funds available, the DLSF panel will consider supporting learners with these costs who have extenuating circumstances. You will need to outline your circumstances and requirements in writing and send to the Learner Services Manager, Wornington Centre, Wornington Road, London, W10 5QQ

Awards for Travel (Subject to available funds)

Travel awards are made for travel, but students are encouraged to take advantage of the London Transport Photo-Card Schemes. Also Oyster card scheme for those in receipt of Income Support and Job Seekers allowance.

Travel awards will not be granted to students who have chosen not to attend an institution closer to their home address offering the same provision. Student should contact their Local Authorities who are responsible for home/ provider transport.

Students 19 plus with learning difficulties and or disabilities unable to use public transport to attend college can have transport provided upon completion of the necessary paperwork to ensure eligibility. Contact your Local Authorities who may be able to support transport to college.

London Transport Photo-Card Schemes:

From August 2006 Students 16 - 19 are all entitled to free transport if they are studying for 12 hours or more.
Students 19+ studying for 15 hours per week can apply for the student discount Oyster card.

Applications for this scheme can only be made online and are available at www.tfl.gov.uk.

Awards for Childcare (Subject to available funds)

For Students eligible for assistance from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund the following maximum contributions will apply for each day of college attendance and work experience/placement: All childcare must be provided by a registered childminder or nursery.

For children of pre-school age (age 4 or under):

Students in receipt of Income Support / Job Seekers Allowance and on low income: £30.00 per day per child

For children of school age below the age of 13 years:

Students in receipt of Income Support / Job Seekers Allowance and on low income: £10.00 per day per child

Please note that the contract for Childcare provision is between you, the Learner and your Childcare provider, it does not bind the college in any way.

Checks will be made on your attendance on the course and also on your child's attendance at the childcare provider if claiming childcare costs. LSF can be deducted or reduced for non-attendance at college and/or placements.

Widening Participation Bursaries:

These bursaries are awarded to full-time students identified within the LSC Priority Groups listed below and are additional to any awards made under the categories specified above.

A bursary of up to £100 per term can be awarded to all eligible full-time students.

Please note that for students receiving a state benefit these awards may exceed their Income Disregard and consequently the level of benefit they receive.

CRITERIA FOR ALLOCATION OF GRANTS

PAYMENT AWARD GUIDE

Discretionary Learner Support Funds are used to assist students aged 16 and over who may have difficulties in completing their course because of financial considerations.

Students should exercise their entitlement to other forms of financial support before eligibility for discretionary funding is considered. In summary they comprise:
- 16 - 19 College Bursary
- Adult Learning Grant (ALG)
- Care to Learn (C 2 L)
While each application is considered on the basis of individual circumstances, priority will be given to the following:
- Those in care or recently left care (LLDD up to age 25)
- 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;
- Adults undertaking a full first level 2
- Learners aged 19-25 undertaking a full first level 3 qualification;
- Learners taking a skills for life programme of study;
- Learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities;
- Those recently made redundant
- Those learners supported through the 6 months unemployed training package.
To be eligible for financial assistance from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund you must:-
- Be an enrolled student as defined by the college, on a course funded by Young People's Learning Agency.
- Have been 'ordinarily resident' in the UK/EU for purposes other than education for the three years preceding start dates of course.
- Have a household income of less than £16,190 per annum
Please note: Discretionary Learner Support Funds will be based on individual circumstances. Both level of income, extent of support and the number of dependants will affect the final award. Some applicants may not be eligible.

Applicants must provide evidence of household income and possible, living expenses.
Dispersing of funds:
1. Payments for childcare will be paid directly to the Childcare provider by cheque or BACS (in order to pay the Childcare provider by BACS you will need to provide us with their bank account details, these should be included when you submit your DLSF Application Form). Students are required to collect their Childcare payment cheques from the college. Students must provide photographic ID when collecting their cheque and they must also sign for the cheque.
2. If your application is successful and the funding is not paid direct to a third party (as in number 1. above), a cheque may be payable to the student. If this is the case, it may be necessary for the student to have an account to process the cheque.
3. Payment can only be made when information given is verifiable or when supporting evidence is attached. Please provide any appropriate order forms, receipts, etc. with your application.
4. Funding is on condition that the student regularly attends each session of the course/lesson and that progress proves to be satisfactory.
If you have received financial assistance and leave before the completion of your course you may be required to repay all or part of the grant. If your progress, attendance or punctuality proves to be unsatisfactory, money may be withheld.
Applicants who are working or in receipt of Welfare Benefits will be required to show proof of current payments. Any direct payment you receive from the Learner Support Fund may affect the amount of benefit you receive and it is your duty to disclose the amount to the department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

If you would like help completing or understanding the application form, please speak to:-

Your Course Tutor
Learning Support Staff
The Student Finance Officer
Information Advice & Guidance team

Your completed application form should be returned to:

Student Finance Officer,
Wornington Centre,
Wornington Road,
London,
W10 5QQ

Appeals:

Appeals need to be made in writing to Wendy Charles-Martin, the Learner Services Manager, Wornington Centre, Wornington Road, London, W10 5QQ within two weeks of notification of award.