Reaseheath College - Further Education Bursary Fund 2015

Raising Standards Inspiring Achievement

Reaseheath Further Education

Bursary Fund 2015 Your questions answered Advice for students, parents and staff on assistance available

www.reaseheath.ac.uk

Reaseheath Bursary Fund This guide is designed to help answer the majority of questions the Student Finance Team receive relating to the Reaseheath Bursary Fund. If you are unsure of any of the answers or have a question that is not directly answered in the guide, please speak to the Student Finance Team who will be happy to assist you. They are available on 01270 613205 or by email at studentfinance@reaseheath.ac.uk Please arrange an appointment if you wish to speak to the Student Finance Team privately.

Application Process

Pages 3-10

General Questions

Pages 11-13

Residential Bursary Fund

Pages 14-15

Discretionary Learner Support Fund

Pages 15-20

Vulnerable Bursary

Pages 21-23

2

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

Reaseheath Bursary Fund Application Process What is the Bursary Fund?

The Government has set aside some money for schools, colleges, training providers and local authorities to allocate to young people who need financial support to stay on in further education or training.

This is called the Bursary Fund.

It can help you with most education-related costs that may arise during the school year.

What bursaries are available?

There are three types of bursaries: Residential Bursary for those who live too far away to travel to college every day and need help with accommodation costs Discretionary Bursary (including free college meals) for those who need financial help to enable them to attend college Vulnerable Bursary for those who are 16-18 (aged 18 or under on 31 August 2015) and fulfil any one of the following categories:-- Are in local authority care or have recently left local authority care -- Receive income support in their own name or; -- Receive a Universal Credit payment in their own name -- Are disabled and receive both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance in their own name or; -- Are disabled and receive both Employment and Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payment in their own name.

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

3

Reaseheath Bursary Fund Who can apply?

What will your age be on 31st August 2015?

16-18 years

19-23 years

24 and over

Do you qualify for a Vulnerable Bursary? (refer to scheme details) YES

What level is your course?

NO

Level 1 or 2

You are eligible to apply for a Vulnerable Bursary

Have you applied for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan?

NO

Is your annual household income below £31,000

YES

NO

You are eligible to apply for 16-18 Discretionary Learner Support Fund

Is your annual household income below £31,000

YES

NO

You are eligible to apply for 19+ Discretionary Learner Support Fund

Learner Worker opportunities are available

4

Level 3 or 4

YES

Is your annual household income below £31,000

YES

NO

You are eligible to apply for 24+ Advanced Learning Loan Support Fund

Learner Worker opportunities are available

Learner Worker opportunities are available

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

Reaseheath Bursary Fund What can I apply for help with?

Students can apply for help with residential accommodation fees, travel costs (both college transport and other transport costs), meal allowance, essential course equipment, childcare costs (for those 20+), stock duties and residential trip fees. In certain circumstances assistance towards tuition fees may be available (unless the student is eligible to receive a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan), please speak to the Student Finance Team for further information.

How do I apply?

To apply for a bursary, you must complete the online application form at www.reaseheath.ac.uk/financial-support Forms are also available in your student information booklet and from the Student Finance Office.

Who can advise me on completing the form?

This information sheet is designed to help answer questions and make completing your application easier. If you require further assistance please contact the Student Finance Team on 01270 613205 or by email at studentfinance@reaseheath.ac.uk

When should I apply?

Please apply as soon as possible to enable us to give you the outcome of your application prior to your enrolment. The closing date for applications is 1st September 2015. Requests for help with residential accommodation fees should be received by 17th July 2015.

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

5

Reaseheath Bursary Fund What happens if I miss the closing date?

Applications received after the closing date cannot be guaranteed support as the fund is limited. Some funds are held in reserve to help those students whose financial circumstances change during the course of the year and late applications are accepted for these students.

What happens if I do not declare all that I require help with?

It may not be possible to make awards for requests not made on the original application and after the closing date. The Bursary Fund is limited and allocations are based on requests made before the closing date. If awards are made after the closing date they will not be backdated. If you are unsure of what you might need to claim help with please speak to the Student Finance Team for further information.

What happens if I do not correctly complete the application or further information is required?

We will contact you with details of the information required. You will be expected to submit before the closing date. After the closing date support cannot be guaranteed and if awards are made they will not be backdated before the completed application is received by the Student Finance Team.

How will my application be assessed?

If you are applying for a Vulnerable Bursary you will need to provide evidence that you are aged 16-18 and fulfil any one of the following categories: -- Are in local authority care or have recently left local authority care -- Receive income support in your own name -- Receive a Universal Credit payment in your own name

6

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

Reaseheath Bursary Fund -- Are disabled and receive both Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your own name -- Are disabled and receive both Employment and Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payment in your own name If you are applying for a Residential Bursary or for Discretionary Learner Support Funds you will need to provide evidence of household income. Household income must include the income of everyone living with the student.

Do I need to provide original evidence?

No, please provide scanned or photocopied documents.

These need to be full letters or award notifications.

What evidence will I need to provide?

We need evidence of all household income for all those living at that address including benefits received for the year 2014/15. Evidence included in household income: Annual wage (P60) Income from self-employment - an accountants letter detailing profit and drawings or full company accounts State and Private pension income Pension Credit Dividends Child Tax Credit Working Tax Credit (not including childcare or disability elements) Universal Credit Payment Employment and Support Allowance We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

7

Reaseheath Bursary Fund Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment Income support Job Seekers Allowance Severe Disablement Allowance Statutory Sick Pay Statutory Maternity / Paternity / Adoption Pay Carers Allowance Bereavement Allowance Welsh EMA awards Evidence not used in assessment of household income includes: Payments to care leavers by local authorities Child Benefit Working Tax Credit - Disability or Childcare elements only Council Tax Benefit Housing Benefit Child Maintenance Please speak to the Student Finance Team if you wish to clarify whether specific income / benefits are included in the assessment. It is your responsibility to declare all household income. Making a false statement or providing false evidence may lead to prosecution. You have a responsibility to declare any other funding you may receive for help with college costs.

8

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

Reaseheath Bursary Fund When will I know if I have received a bursary?

If your application has been completed in full and received by the closing date you will be notified of the outcome of your application by 30th September 2015. However, we will endeavour to notify students of awards as soon as possible once applications are received.

If you have not received notification by the College after 30th September 2015 you are advised to contact the Student Finance Team to check the status of your application.

What happens if I do not receive a full bursary?

You will receive an invoice from Student Finance confirming what is left to pay. Students are expected to set up an instalment plan or pay the invoice in full once received.

How will my bursary be paid?

Bursaries towards fees will be made on the student account and an invoice sent out for the remaining balance.

Payment for essential equipment purchased or travel costs which are not provided by the College are paid in arrears on evidence of receipts / travel tickets. Payment will be sent on a half termly basis to nominated bank accounts. The College reserves the right to withhold any final term travel payments if fees are outstanding to the College to reduce the debt.

Allocations for meals are applied to the student card on a monthly basis. They are non-transferable as cash. Students who are eligible under the Free College Meal scheme will also receive a cash payment for days of work experience. This will be paid into nominated bank accounts on a monthly basis.

Those receiving the Vulnerable Bursary payments will be made on a monthly basis directly into the nominated bank account.

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

9

Reaseheath Bursary Fund Can the college tell me what to spend my bursary on?

Yes, your bursary is to help pay for things you really need to stay on at college. It will be given for specific assistance with this.

Can the college stop my payments if I don’t attend or if I misbehave?

Yes, there are conditions on your bursary. You will need to maintain regular attendance and your support may be withdrawn if you face disciplinary issues.

If I can’t attend college because of illness or an authorised absence will I still receive my bursary?

If you are not at college because of an authorised absence or illness the college will not usually reduce your bursary payments. The college may, however, reduce your travel payments for those days when you are not attending college. In addition your childcare allowance may be reduced.

10

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

Reaseheath Bursary Fund General Questions If I received a bursary last year will I automatically get one this year?

No, we assess your application on current household income, this information can change and you therefore need to apply each academic year.

Will I receive the same as last year?

Not necessarily, our funding body sometimes change the funding rules or change the amount they award the College to fund bursaries so rules are reviewed every year in order to best support as many students as possible. This means that rules on household income thresholds may change or categories of support may change so therefore we cannot guarantee that you will receive the same every year.

I am over 25 and have previously been told that you will treat me as financially independent. Has this changed?

Yes, the College will no longer apply this rule. It is felt that to be equitable to all students the College needs to consider the household income of the full household regardless of a student’s age.

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

11

Reaseheath Bursary Fund Will the evidence I provide be confidential?

The information that you give will be used for the purpose of processing your application for help from the Education Funding Agency and Skills Funding Agency Support Funds. Reaseheath College is under a duty to protect the public funds and may use the information you have provided on this form to prevent and detect fraud. We may also share this information, for the same purposes, with other organisations that handle public funds.

In addition decisions may be shared with course tutors and managers on bursaries and requests for help although specific household income details will not be distributed beyond the Student Finance Team without prior approval of the student. Copies of original data will be kept on the student file for 3 years after their course ends before being securely destroyed in line with our Data Retention Policy.

Will everyone know that I am getting a bursary?

The College will only let those staff members know that there is a bursary in place who need to have this information. It is possible for the information to remain confidential to other students if the individual does not wish to tell them they receive a bursary.

Is there any other means of support available?

Yes, there are other funds which may be available to some students studying specific courses. These are from the Studley College Trust fund, Henmans Trust, ALA Green, David Miller Travel Bursary and Nantwich Christian Millenium Bursary.

Please visit www.reaseheath.ac.uk/financial-support or speak to the Student Finance Team for further information.

12

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

Reaseheath Bursary Fund I have been told that I will no longer receive Disability Living Allowance but am entitled to Personal Independence Payment instead.

Does this affect my bursary?

The Personal Independence Payment replaced the Disability Living Allowance from April 2013 for those aged 16-64 with a health condition or disability. If you already receive Disability Living Allowance this is unlikely to change to the Personal Independence Payment until 2015. The College will treat both benefits in the same way and both will be used to assess household income.

If my financial circumstances change can I apply for assistance?

Students are entitled to apply for support if their financial circumstances change during the year. Please make an application using the standard procedure.

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

13

Reaseheath Bursary Fund Residential Bursary Fund I am a residential student and receive a bursary.

Why does it not cover the full cost of my room?

The funds received by the college from the funding bodies are limited.

In order to try and support as many students as possible, the college has taken the decision to fund residential students based on the cheapest single room available. The student will, therefore, need to take this into account when budgeting for college as they will be invoiced for the shortfall. This would also apply if an award had been made for landlord fees.

I am 24+ and am receiving a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan Why am I not entitled to a full bursary?

The funds received by the College from the funding bodies are limited. In order to try and support as many students as possible, the College has taken the decision to fund residential students based on the cheapest single room available. The student will, therefore, need to take this into account when budgeting for college as they will be invoiced for the shortfall. This would also apply if an award had been made for landlord fees.

If I receive a Residential Bursary why do I not get food allocation as well?

For those students who opt to stay in a self-catered room there is no allocation. Payments are only made for those students who have the catered element. The College will only make a small allowance towards food for those on the lowest incomes.

The Bursary Fund is limited and in order to support as many students as possible we have taken the decision to limit support for food in order to give more support towards the cost of the room.

14

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

Reaseheath Bursary Fund If I apply for a Residential Bursary can I apply for other help as well?

Yes, all students are entitled to ask for help with travel, equipment and other areas of support regardless of whether they are residential or not.

When completing the application students should indicate all the areas that they require support with. There is only one application process even though the Residential Bursary Fund and Discretionary Learner Support Fund (including Free College Meals) are different funds.

Discretionary Learner Support Fund I am studying part-time.

Can I apply?

Yes, we will accept applications from both full-time and part-time students who are enrolled on a course over ten weeks in length.

I am completing an apprenticeship.

Can I apply?

If you are being paid on your apprenticeship you cannot apply for help from this fund. If you are on an access to apprenticeship programme or if you are an unpaid apprentice you may apply.

I am studying for a Higher Education qualification.

Can I apply for a bursary from this fund?

No, this fund is for students in Further Education or training only.

Information on other forms of financial help for Higher Education students can be found at: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/finance-for-he or www.sfengland.slc.co.uk

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

15

Reaseheath Bursary Fund I am over 24.

What help is available?

If you’re 24 or older, you can apply for a 24+ Advance Learning Loan to help with the tuition fees of a college or training course. The course must start on or after 1st August 2015 and be at Level 3 or 4 (such as A Levels or a higher or advanced apprenticeship).

Repayments don’t start until April 2018 and you won’t have to pay anything back until you’re earning over £21,000 a year. You can apply from 1 April 2015. For further information please visit: www.gov.uk/advanced-learning-loans The Student Finance Team can send you a fact sheet on 24+ Advanced Learning Loans produced by Student Finance England to answer most questions students may have.

I am over 24 and have applied for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan.

What help can I receive from the bursary fund?

If you are over 24 and have secured a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan you are eligible to apply for support from the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan Bursary Fund through the College. This fund is extremely limited but can be used to support travel, equipment, residential costs and childcare requests.

Students who are in receipt of a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan are not eligible for support from the Discretionary Learning Support Fund which is a separate fund. The 24+ Advanced Learning Loan Bursary Fund cannot be used for payment towards course fees.

16

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

Reaseheath Bursary Fund I do not have a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan but am over 24.

What help can I receive?

Those students who are over 24 and who are undertaking a Level 2 course, Foundation course or a course that is not eligible for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan are able to apply to the Discretionary Learner Support Fund. Those students who have chosen not to receive a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan but are undertaking an eligible course are not generally funded by the Discretionary Learner Support Fund. Students who are 23 or under on 31st August 2015 can apply to the Discretionary Learner Support Fund even if they turn 24 during the academic year 2015/16.

Will I receive help with all I request?

Support across the various categories is based on the same level of household income thresholds. Maximum levels of total support do apply, however, and it is not guaranteed that you will receive assistance with everything you request. If an award is made for essential equipment, kit lists are issued relevant to the course indicating items supported and allowance per item.

Can the College insist how I travel to college?

Yes, if the College provides a bus service in the area and it is a reasonable journey to catch the bus they can insist that they will only fund this form of travel if it is the cheapest option. The College has a duty to protect public funds and to demonstrate to the funding body that it is only funding the cheapest form of travel even if this is not the preferred form of travel. The College will not automatically fund the value of the cheapest travel if a student chooses to travel by their preferred travel anyway.

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

17

Reaseheath Bursary Fund Can I claim for travel costs that are not provided by the College?

Yes, if an award is made towards travel costs by train or bus either to get to the College bus if a student needs to travel some distance or travel costs to the College, reimbursement will be made. Awards may also be given towards car travel.

What evidence of travel do I need to provide?

All travel tickets or receipts must be kept and are to be submitted to the Student Finance Team on a half termly basis before any payments will be made. In exceptional circumstances an interim payment may be made before half term on receipt of travel tickets.

Payments are only made in arrears on production of valid tickets and no payments made without proof of journey. Please ensure it is clear who the tickets relate to.

I am travelling to college by car.

Can I receive payment for petrol?

Yes, the college will pay 10p per mile towards travel costs. Payments are made in arrears on a half termly basis. Evidence of car travel is not required but will be based on the attendance register. Days absent from college will not be paid for. The award will be calculated on mileage using a route planner and is based on the number of days timetabled to be in college. For those travelling by car awards will be given in arrears on a half termly basis.

Can I claim back stationery costs?

No, funds are limited and it is not currently possible to support requests for stationery items.

18

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

Reaseheath Bursary Fund How do I claim equipment costs?

These requests are paid in arrears after the items have been bought.

Receipts should be submitted to the Student Finance team with the student’s name on the receipt along with a description of what the item is. Kit lists are issued relevant to the course indicating items supported and allowance per item.

I received free school meals at school.

Can I get them here?

An allowance can be made on the student’s card for those students aged 16 - 18 whose household income is less than £16,190. Your assessment for entitlement will be based on your current household income and not whether you were eligible to receive this at school. You must request Free College Meals in your application to be considered for this award.

Can I receive payment instead of free college meals as I don’t wish to eat in the canteen?

No, the college makes an allowance for students to get a hot meal whilst at college to help those on the lowest incomes. It is not possible for this to be transferred into a cash payment.

Can I apply for help with course trips?

The only trips that the fund is able to provide assistance with are residential course trips, which are essential to undertake in order to pass the course. Day visits and other trips organised by the departments are not currently funded.

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

19

Reaseheath Bursary Fund Can I get help with my childcare costs?

Yes, if you are aged between 20-23 or 24+ and undertaking a Level 1 or 2 course you may be eligible to receive help towards the cost of your childcare. In order to receive support your child-minder or nursery needs to be registered with Ofsted. If eligible, the college will pay a percentage towards your bill for the days you are in college.

There is no automatic award for a second child but individual cases are reviewed. Payments will be reduced for days that you are absent from college.

For those who are aged 24+ and undertaking a Level 3 or 4 course, you will be required to apply to the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan fund. The 24+ Advanced Learning Loan Bursary Fund is a very small fund provided to support learners in all areas and the funds have to be apportioned equally across all eligible requests.

Any student under the age of 20 can apply for assistance through the Care to Learn scheme. For further information visit www.reaseheath.ac.uk/financial-support or www.gov.uk/care-to-learn

20

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

Reaseheath Bursary Fund Vulnerable Bursary Am I guaranteed the full £1,200 if I receive a vulnerable bursary?

Not necessarily. If you are studying for a period of less than 30 weeks on a full-time course or are part-time then you will receive a proportional bursary of the full amount.

Am I guaranteed the full £1,200 in cash if I receive a vulnerable bursary?

The funding body (Education Funding Agency) recommend that it is good practice to award part of the bursary in kind rather than as a full cash sum, to support budgeting and financial management skills. The college will reduce the £1,200 bursary by the cost of the bus pass for those students who are travelling to college on a college provided bus.

In addition a sum may be allocated towards meals for the year and the relevant weekly amount put on the student card.

The rest of the bursary will be paid on a monthly basis into the student’s nominated bank account and is expected to go towards equipment, course costs and any additional travel costs to the student.

Do I need to prove to the College that I am entitled to a vulnerable bursary?

Yes, we will need to see evidence that proves you meet the criteria to be eligible for a vulnerable bursary.

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

21

Reaseheath Bursary Fund I am over 18.

Why I am not eligible for a vulnerable bursary?

The funding body (Education Funding Agency) only guarantee this bursary to students who are 18 or under on 31 August 2015. Specific criteria are in place and they will only fund those students who are 18 at the start of the academic year in which they begin their programme of study. Students are still funded who turn 19 during the course of that year but they need to be 18 on 31st August 2015.

Do I need to be receiving Income Support, or Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance in my own name?

Yes, you must be receiving these benefits yourself to be eligible for a vulnerable bursary. If not, you are not entitled to a vulnerable bursary.

You can still apply for help from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund but will need to provide evidence of household income.

I’m receiving Disability Living Allowance.

Can I apply for a vulnerable bursary?

Only if you also receive Employment Support Allowance to qualify for a vulnerable bursary - you must receive both benefits. If not, you are not entitled to a vulnerable bursary. You can still apply for help from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund but will need to provide evidence of household income.

22

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

Reaseheath Bursary Fund I am looking after a disabled relative.

As a young carer am I entitled to a bursary?

As a young carer you are not entitled to a vulnerable bursary, however you can still apply for help from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund but will need to provide evidence of household income.

I am a young parent.

Am I entitled to a bursary?

As a young parent you are not entitled to a vulnerable bursary, however you can still apply for help from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund but will need to provide evidence of household income.

Funds may be available towards childcare costs whilst you are studying.

Any award will be based on your household income.

I don’t have a bank account - does this mean I cannot receive my vulnerable bursary?

No, speak to the College and let them know that you do not have a bank account. An alternative arrangement will be made on an individual basis.

We are passionate about learners, staff and customers and place them at the heart of all we do by supporting, developing, empowering, encouraging, respecting and valuing their contributions.

23

6

5

1

12

23

2

21a

7

6

Warrington 11

12

5

19

21

Oldham M60

24

M60

21 9

22

Manchester 5

20

Runcorn

4 M53

9

M62

22

21

20

18

17 1

St Helens

Liverpool

M62

14

3

Nantwich Cheshire CW5 6DF

3

M6

7

Raising Standards Inspiring Achievement

Wigan M61

26

3

M58

M66

Bolton

27

Stockport

27 1

6

7

10 19

M56 10

Northwich

15

Macclesfield

M6

12

18

Chester

17

Sandbach

General enquiries 01270 613242

Reaseheath Crewe Nantwich

Wrexham

Email enquiries@reaseheath.ac.uk

16

Stoke on Trent 15

Whitchurch

Uttoxeter

Follow us on Twitter @Reaseheath

M6 14

Stafford

Find us on Facebook /reaseheathcollege

13

Winsford

Shrewsbury

18

12 7

6

5

4

Telford

11a

3

M54

11 2

1

M6 TOLL

10a

M6 Wolverhampton 10

Middlewich M6

3

9 8

Dudley

9

7 6

5

4a

Birmingham

17

6

M5

M42

A534

34

M6

Middl

B5074

A530 to

r heste to C A51 A51

30

A5

A51

A5

020

A534

A5

4

4

A534 A51

A500

A53

16

0

A50

A5

29

A5 1t oS ton e

A51

hit

ch

urc

h

A5 30

Nantwich

lem to Aud A529

A5 30 to W

A534

A5

ewic

h

ford B5074 to Wins

4

Crewe

7

4

M

6