Financial help and additional support

Financial and additional support available, get more information/advice/guidance, claiming benefits, student union card, find and book a course and give feedback.

Information taken from Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) funding and compliance rules 17-18 and information is subject to change. 

View details of adult learning course and how to book a place:

Visit the course finder

Is there any financial support available to me?

Learners with specific personal circumstances may be entitled to a concession on their course fees, giving them the course for free. You may be eligible if you meet any of the criteria below:

Are unemployed and:

  • receive Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), including National Insurance credits

  • receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and are in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG)

  • receive Universal Credit, earn either less than 16 times the national minimum wage/national living wage a week or £300 a month (this is subject to change).

Are in employment and:

  • aged 19-23 and studying for first full level 2 or 3 qualifications
  • receive Working Tax Credit but your household income is less than £15,810.

If the above criteria do not apply to you, there is also a discretionary learner support fund which may be available to help give financial support to you if your household income is less than £21,850 per year. These funds can be used to help with transport to classes, course materials, childcare costs, exam fees, books, and equipment.

If you think you may be entitled to some financial help, please ask at the time of booking.

How do I get more information, advice and guidance on choosing a course?

You may need advice about the course you have chosen or information and guidance to help you find a course that will meet your needs. Whether it is spelling or computing, a family course, learning a new skill, or the first step on the way to a different job, our friendly staff in the centres are there to help you make sure that the course you choose is the right one for you.

We will:

  • provide you with a one to one appointment with one of our trained advisers if you are considering taking a course that leads to a qualification

  • ensure that you have all the information that you need to make the right choice about which is the best course to meet your needs

  • give you details of the National Careers Service who can give you further impartial advice about jobs, careers, and training if required.

Support for you

We will:

  • support you to develop new skills and gain qualifications

  • build your confidence, motivation and self-esteem

  • provide employability skills support to develop the skills for work that we know employers are looking for

  • support you throughout your learning with us, such as assisting you to set, monitor and achieve personal and individualised goals.

You can contact the adult learning centre of your choice by telephone, email or in person and someone will be happy to help you make the right choice. If we cannot offer the course you require, we will advise you of other learning providers who may be able to help.

Can I get additional support if I have a learning disability?

Adult Learning Centres encourage and welcome all residents of the East Riding to participate in every part of their programmes of learning. You may require additional support, for example, large computer screens or keyboards, adapted furniture or portable hearing loops.

Please enquire at one of our adult learning centres about the help we can provide.

What other support is available to me?

We appreciate that everyone needs support at various times and for different reasons and we aim to help you with whatever needs you may have. Where appropriate, we will provide:

  • in class learning mentor support - we can allocate a one to one learning mentor to work with you and support you in the classroom

  • note takers, readers and signers

  • assistive equipment and technologies e.g. large computer screens, adapted furniture or portable hearing loops

  • an individual learning plan of action to help you achieve your aims, such as writing your CV, improving your interview skills and to understand the job market.

Please enquire at one of our adult learning centres about the help we can provide.

I'm claiming benefits. Do I get a free course?

You could be eligible for funding that means that you will get your course for free depending on certain criteria. We offer concessions to learners who are on particular benefits, or who are learning specific qualifications.

Please check the how much it costs page for more information on what concessions are available.

What are advanced learner loans and how do I apply?

Advanced learner loans are managed by Student Finance England and can be used to pay for level 3 or level 4 qualifications. Advanced learner loans enable eligible learners to borrow the course fees and pay them back at a later date.

If you are applying or booking on a course with us, it's really important that you have your advanced learner loan processed and agreed with Student Finance England before you start the course. We, therefore, recommend that you apply for your loan as soon as possible.

To find out more, check your availability and apply please visit the website below:

GOV.UK - Advanced learner loan overview (external website)

How do I find and book a course?

We offer a variety of courses that run at different times throughout the year. You can use our course finder to search for courses by title, subject or location.

You can also contact your nearest adult learning centre where our friendly staff will be happy to give you more information about courses that interest you.

How do I give feedback on a course that I'm currently doing?

We really value our learners' views and when you become a learner with us we will ask you to let us know how you find your learning experience with us. This may be a face to face discussion during your course or written feedback when we will ask you to complete a comment card or a short survey. Upon joining a course each learner will be provided with their own copy of our learner handbook. In here is a whole section on how we ensure quality on all of our courses.

Our service is subject to inspections by Ofsted (last judged as a 'Good' provider) and as such we have an Adult and Community Learning Improvement and Governance Panel. The main role of the panel is to oversee the work of the service and ensure high-quality provision and outcomes for all our learners.

The latest Adult and Community Learning Improvement and Governance Panel minutes can be viewed below:

Adult and Community Learning Improvement and Governance Panel Minutes (pdf 31kb)

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