Learner Support Fund (LSF)
- Learner Support Fund
We manage two funds to help support students who may find it difficult to come to college without some financial support. One is for students aged 16-18 when they start their course; the other is for adults who are 19 or older when they start their course.
Both funds help to pay for the costs of things such as travel to and from college, uniforms and equipment needed to study, childcare, and materials fees. Some students can claim for a meal in college on the days you on campus.
The 19+ Fund can help to cover the costs of childcare. If you are under 20 and need help with childcare costs you should apply to the Government’s Care to Learn scheme.
The money in both fund is limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis, so you should apply as soon as possible.
Eligibility criteria
16-18 Fund | 19+ Fund | |
|---|---|---|
Age on 31 August | 16-18 unless you are 19 or older and continuing on a student programme which began when you were 16-18. 19-24 and have an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) | 19 and older |
Maximum household income | £33,000 | £33,000 |
Maximum single student or independent student income | £20,319 | £20,319 |
Level of qualification being studied | Up to and including level 3 | Up to and including level 3 |
What you can receive
16-18 Fund | 19+ Fund |
|---|---|
Bus pass (if you live 2 miles or further from the campus you study at) | Bus pass (if you live 1.7 miles or further from the campus you study at) |
Essential uniform and equipment | Essential uniform and equipment |
Materials fees | Materials fees and printing credit |
Subsidised meals at college | Childcare |
We also have a bursary for vulnerable 16-18 year olds. You don’t have to apply for this separately, we will review applications for the Learner Support Fund and if you are eligible you will receive this additional payment.
The bursary is paid on a weekly basis, during term time directly to your bank account. The maximum you can receive each year is £1200.
Childcare costs
Childcare must be provided by a register OFSTED provider and must be approved by a welfare advisor. We pay a maximum of £70 a day or £35 for a half day. If you use a childminder we pay £7 an hour.
If you child is eligible for 15 or 30 hours of free early years education this must be used to cover the cost of sessions, before we will pay any childcare costs.
Payments are made directly to the provider.