Supporting Level 3 study accessible: proposals for learner support

Course fees are just one element of the cost of studying at level 3. Feedback from providers and stakeholders suggests that adults experience a range of additional cost-related barriers to learning that could be overcome through the effective use of learner support funds.

This feedback is confirmed by research indicating that adults with limited access to transport, childcare, data and/or a digital device can also find it difficult to participate in training that will improve their skills, and thereby their earnings and employment potential. However, there is also evidence that support via the Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF) can have a positive impact on both retention and progression into employment.

Across the Combined Authority area, Discretionary Learner Support Funds are used in a wide variety of ways. We are committed to ensuring that DLSF continues to be used flexibly and responsively to meet learner needs – whilst also developing our understanding of what works in supporting different types of learners on different types of provision.

We recognise that, since devolution, WMCA have not increased spend on DLSF, in the same way that it has reviewed and increased other comparative benchmarks. We therefore intend to review the aims, focus and flexibility of the Discretionary Learner Support Fund, through a better understanding of its use and the emerging needs within the region, including how it can effectively support learners on level 3 provision who are currently earning below average wages. Alongside feedback from providers, we will also benchmark our spend against other parts of the country and consider best practice in how to maximise the impact of DLSF funded activities.