Academic Year 2023/24
Introduction
All Community Learning courses are funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). The aim of this funding is to focus public funding on people who are disadvantaged and least likely to participate in education, particularly those on low incomes with low skills. The aim of Community Learning at Ruskin College is to provide the best level of education and inclusion opportunities to adults – particularly those who may be excluded or disadvantaged – and to transform the individuals concerned along with the communities, groups and societies from which they came.
What is Community Learning?
Community Learning is a programme of courses designed to develop the skills, confidence, motivation and resilience of adults of different ages and backgrounds in order to:
- progress towards formal learning or employment
- improve their health and well-being, including mental health
- develop stronger communities
Community Learning is divided into the following 4 strands:
- Personal and Community Development Learning - learning for personal and community development, cultural enrichment, intellectual or creative stimulation and for enjoyment (in most cases not leading to a formal qualification)
- Family English, Maths and Language Learning- learning to improve the English, language and maths skills of parents, carers or guardians and their ability to help their children
- Wider Family Learning - learning to help different generations of family members to learn together how to support their children’s learning
- Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities - supports local Voluntary and other third sector organisations to develop their capacity to deliver learning opportunities for the residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods
What is Pound Plus?
Pound Plus is additional income generated by education providers over and above the income allocated by the ESFA Adult Education Budget. The college will increase the value of core funding by accruing income generated or savings made through course fees, working with partners in the community to streamline provision and promote community learning as well as providing access to facilities made available at no or reduced costs.
Fee Remission Policy
- The aim of Community Learning is to bring together people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and income groups. For provision of the ‘Community Learning’ programme we may ask some of our learners to provide a contribution towards the cost of their course. The College will charge a basic rate to those deemed able to pay or are not eligible for Community Learning ESFA funding. Those not eligible include under 19s or anyone not been resident in the UK for at least three years, (except for those who are part of the Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Extension Scheme). To ensure participation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, the rate for the 2023-24 academic year is £25.00, regardless of the type or length of the course. Fee liable on enrolment.
As part of our ‘Pound Plus’ commitment, the College will fully waive fees for learners in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
- Other credits
At the discretion of Ruskin College, other learners may also be exempt from fees. These may include full-time carers of adults, refugees and asylum seekers, care leavers, members of the GRT community, homeless residents or those at risk of homelessness. This is not an exhaustive list and applicants who think they may be eligible for fee exemption should contact the Community Learning Team directly.
Monitoring and Enhancement
Ruskin College will carry out regular reviews of provision through our quality and self-assessment processes.