Education
We want you to be able to continue your education or training when you leave care.
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If you have already started to receive funding from us for further education (up to 'A' levels), or higher education, this will continue as already agreed, until you have completed the course.
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Scroll down for more info on education support you can expect at different ages and on different paths to independence...
16 - 18 Yrs Old
If you are still in education or in training, your college may be able to advise you whether you are eligible for a 16 - 19 Bursary. Career Advisors will have more information about this.
18 - 21 Yrs Old and going to college
Your PA will still keep in touch with you and review your Pathway Plan to ensure you are getting the support you need. You may be eligible for an annual payment up to: •£600 for a bus pass during term time only •£300 for tuition fees •£80 for educational materials, equipment etc. Income Support, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit should be available if you have been in care and are in: •Full time further / non-advanced education (This is up to A Level standard or equivalent). OR •In training for 12 hours or more a week. Income Support, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit should continue to be paid to you if you become 21 during the course, until the course is completed.
18 - 21 Yrs Old not in education or work
If you are not in employment, education or training and are finding it difficult to get back into anything, you may be eligible for an additional £10 per week to help enable and encourage you to attend college or work, depending on your situation. This will be with the agreement of the Team Manager for a limited period. If you are eligible to receive the 16-19 Bursary from your college, you will not be eligible for the £10.
21 - 24 Yrs Old wanting to go into education
We will assess your circumstances and offer you support to access employment, education or training. If you are over 21 and want to get back into education or training, up to 'A' Level or equivalent, you will be given advice and support to consider your options. This will include: • Using any savings you have to support you during this time. • Combining work and study. • Applying for financial support from charities and trusts. • Considering if you are eligible for funding from your employer. • Consider applying for financial support through the Education Funding Panel (see below). We can also assist you with a one-off payment of up to £100 in total from the time you turn 21 up to your 25th birthday. If we do provide you with support after 21, we will also provide you with a PA who will update your Pathway Plan with you and keep in touch.
Support for 18 - 24 Yr Olds on apprenticeships
If you are on an apprenticeship, and you are paid below the national minimum wage, you may be eligible for an allowance to top up your wage to the minimal national wage level. Please speak to your social worker or PA if you want more information on this.
Support for 18 - 24 Yr Olds at University
If you have already started to receive funding for university from us, this will continue until you have completed your current course within the plan agreed. If you are eligible for support at university you will receive the following support: • A PA to review and update your Pathway Plan and keep in touch with you. • Bursary - this will total £2,000 to cover the whole of the course. It will be paid in instalments annually across the duration of your course. This can be paid monthly or termly direct into your bank account but could be paid as an annual lump sum as agreed with your PA and detailed in you Pathway Plan. • A maximum of £80 per week towards your accommodation cost during your official university holiday periods if this is needed. This payment is not available for the summer after your official course end date. • Support from your PA to claim other grants or bursaries. You will be expected to access student loans for living expenses and course fees, as well as to use your savings to support your study in addition to the support we provide. Working part time will relieve financial pressure and add to your experience. Provision of rent deposit and guarantor for student accommodation if required.
Support for parents with childcare costs
If you are looking to access training or education, you should find out what childcare support is on offer from your employer, training provider, college or university. If they are not able to offer support, then talk to your PA about what support we may be able to offer to help you. If needed, you could make an application to the Education Funding Panel (see below) to request funding towards the cost of childcare whilst you study. All 3-year-olds are entitled to free nursery hours from Early Years Services. In many areas, they offer free provision for 2-year-olds. Check with the Local Authority in your area, or ask your PA.
Support after University
We can continue to offer you advice and support if you need it until you are 25 years old and in education or training. However, when you have completed your university course, if you do not have paid work, you will be expected to claim benefits unless you are considering going on to a post graduate course. If you want to go on to complete a post graduate course, we will offer you support and assistance to help you identify financial support for you to continue your education and will advise you on how to access this. We are not able to pay your fees or living expenses. You will need to consider how you can support yourself financially in post graduate studies, either by: • Continuing work and study • Using your savings It is best to start considering your options about 18 months beforehand (e.g. what funding is available for different courses, how will you will fund your fees and living costs).