Education Maintenance Grant
All young people aged 16-19 have a right to free continuing education. Those who live in households with a total income of less than £30,000 also have an entitlement to an education maintenance allowance (EMA) [opens in new window]. The EMA can give young people up to £30 a week to help with the cost of buying books, equipment or with transportation.
S ince September 2007 it has been possible for all young people above or approaching the age of 16 to apply for the EMA and, for 2008/09, an EMA Guarantee has been introduced, which means that young people could be entitled to the same level of financial support for three years, even in the case of changing circumstances.
In recognition of the special circumstances facing young people in custody and the importance of their continuing education post-release, arrangements have been made for them to make an application while they are in custody so that they can receive the allowance, subject to the normal entitlement checks, once they are released. This will ensure that there is no delay in taking up an education placement and continuing their studies.
Vulnerable Children's Grant
In 2004, the DfES Standards Fund unit pooled together previously separate funding streams for different types of vulnerable children. They then gave a grant to all LEAs – the Vulnerable Children Grant – based on a formula funding mechanism, which includes indices of social deprivation, to support all groups of vulnerable children. Classes of vulnerable children include:
- looked-after children
- ill children
- gypsy and traveller children
- pregnant school children
- young offenders.
Unfortunately, subsequent evaluation has highlighted that virtually none of this funding has been used to support young people who have offended. The evaluation suggested that young offenders have not been supported by the grant because LEAs wrongly believe YOTs have resources to support offenders’ reintegration into education. The grant is only available to schools that are prepared to specifically support the reintegration of young people who have offended.
It is recommended, particularly for YOTs who experience difficulties in gaining provision for statutory school-age young people, that they approach their LEA to seek funding from this source to reintegrate more children into education. Local authorities have a statutory responsibility under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 [opens in new window] to reduce youth crime and, in this regard, education is a strong preventative factor.
More information about the grant can be found on the Department for Children, Schools and Families website [opens in new window].
Personal Education Allowances for Looked After Children
This grant is available to Local Authorities for all Looked After Children and is administered by the young person's education adviser. The young person should be consulted on all matters of their education. YOTs should be aware of this grant if they are have any Looked After Children in their care, ensuring that the young person receives it if they are eligible and supporting them with their choices of education. This grant is over and above any other financial support the young person is receiving and should not be used to supplement any other support.
More information about the grant can be found on the Department for Children, Schools and Families website [opens in new window].