Learning Support Funding Claim Process De-Mystified

(1) Identify the Need

Since 2023 the DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules explicitly state that screening for learning needs at the start of a learner’s programme is mandatory.

“[32] As part of the initial assessment, the provider must undertake a screening exercise for learning support.” (Latest Version)

The Cognassist Digital Cognitive Assessment has helped learners understand their cognition since 2017 and helped providers identify those who may need additional support. Over 400,000 learners (and counting) have benefitted from understanding their brain through our comprehensive learner report.

Simple to use

• 30 minutes
• Browser-based
• Evidence and performance-based assessment. Learner can complete on their own or with a tutor
• Can be used with any of your learners – Is scientifically valid for learners aged 14+
• Trusted by over 200 apprenticeship providers since 2017

Robust and compliant

• Independently verified as a robust cognitive assessment by the UK’s primary testing authority the Joint Committee on Qualifications (link: Assessing the Need for Access Arrangements in Examinations: Seventh Edition)
• Hundreds of ESFA funding audits have been successfully completed with the Cognassist digital cognitive assessment included within evidence packs
  Awarding Organisations and End-Point Assessment Organisations throughout the UK have pre-approved our evidence and accept this towards reasonable adjustment applications
• Meets the evidencing demands for:
  • Additional Learning Support (ALS) funding
  • Earnings Adjustment Statement (EAS) funding
  • Exceptional Learning Support (ELS) funding
  • Exception to English and/ or maths minimum requirements
  • Ofqual and JCQ examination adjustments

(2) Understand the Barrier

Where a learning need is identified, the provider must develop an understanding of how this will impact the learners’ ability to complete their qualification [Rule 32.1]

This is called a ‘further detailed assessment’ and should detail the following: (although it is up to each provider to determine their process).

Define the need

Discuss the findings with the learner. Review their understanding, support history and normal ways of working. 

(3) Deliver the Adjustments

Learning support funding is fixed at a monthly rate of £150 for each month in which reasonable adjustments are provided to the apprentice and where evidence of costs can be provided – costs can be for the provision of additional tutor time.

Each month the tutor chooses one or more of the learning adjustments they defined in the individual learning plans and works with the learner to integrate this into their learning.

The learner can engage with their tutor-designed learning adjustment strategies independently, and at any time via the Cognassist platform.

Where one-off costs exceed £150 in a month, the additional amount should be claimed via EAS (alongside the monthly fixed amount).

(4) Perform regular Support Reviews

At least once every 3 months the tutor should perform a review with the learner to evaluate if reasonable adjustments are still necessary and appropriate.