Breakdown of Course Related Costs & Conditions of Award
Childcare
For details on claiming assistance with childcare costs – see childcare section above.
Course Fees
The following conditions will apply to any applications for assistance with course fees;
- Support towards course fees will only be available to learners who are not entitled to fee remission.
- Eligible learners will receive a 50% contribution
- Fees will be front loaded and paid up-front. DLSF contribution will be processed internally
- Failure by the learner to keep up with payments for course fees may affect any other type of financial support paid via DLSF including childcare. In some cases this funding may be used to off-set any outstanding payments for course fees
Equipment/materials
Where these costs have not been absorbed into the cost of your course, applications for financial contributions may be considered. Examples include; materials that are kept outside of the learning environment, for example artwork, models etc. All students will be required to make the initial purchase of equipment/materials and successful awards will be paid upon presentation of a valid receipt.
Weekly/Monthly Grant
- Payments towards the 19+ Hardship Grant will be issued on a monthly basis via BACS (excl. those receiving specialist transport support via Student Support)
- Payments will be paid out on a pro-rata basis (Payments will not be issued for holidays)
- Payments will be subject to a minimum attendance requirement of 80% which will be monitored on a weekly basis
- Payments should be viewed as a contribution towards the weekly cost of travel, food etc. and may not always cover the full cost. The travel element of the grant is based upon the cost of a day-saver bus ticket multiplied by the number of days the learner is required to attend college/placement. *Exclusions may apply
- *Learners who travel from households outside of the West Midlands County i.e. Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall or Wolverhampton, may qualify for an enhanced travel payment
- *Learners who require specialist travel arrangements due to disability may qualify for a 50% contribution to these costs which will be paid on a monthly basis direct to the travel company. The College will take into account the level of support provided via Disability Living Allowance (Higher rate mobility only). Travel arrangements will be made via Student Support
Payments will begin as soon as we have sufficient verification from college registers that learners have started on their intended course. This may be approximately 6 weeks into the course.
Trips
Where these costs have not been absorbed into the cost of your course, applications for financial contributions may be considered. Please see the Student Funding team for details.
External Funding
- 1. Care to Learn
The Care to Learn Scheme provides financial support towards the cost of childcare and travel costs for teenage parents (mothers or fathers) who want to continue their education or training. To be eligible for Care to Learn you must be aged under 20 and:
v Starting a course of learning or training that is public funded
v Caring for your own child(ren)
v Living in England
v Using a registered childcare provider
Applications can be made at any point in the academic year. For more information and to apply for Care to Learn funding you can visit the Care to Learn website at www.direct.gov.uk/caretolearn
- Professional Career Development Loans
These are bank loans of between £300 and £10,000 and are for work-related learning; interest is payable, although this is covered by the Skills Funding Agency while you are studying – and for one month afterwards. After this, you’ll pay the interest at the rate fixed when you took out the loan. For advice on your application, call the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900 or go to www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinanicalHelpForAdultLearners/CareerDevelopmentLoans/
Please note students must be over 18 and have lived in the UK for 3 years. Applicants will be credit checked.
Disclaimer: All of the published information in this booklet is current and correct at the time of going to print. However, all of the information provided may be subject to change for unforeseen reasons at the College’s absolute discretion.
The information printed reflects the College’s understanding at this time but learners should check the current position and their personal circumstances before committing to a College course.
