Funding

Seeking funding for your time at Barnfield College need not be complicated. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you’re having problems or if you have any questions.

At Barnfield College we aim to help and support you as much as possible - and this includes financial advice.

We know how difficult it is to find out exactly what you are entitled to.

Whether you are looking for help with travel costs, childcare or to buy equipment for your course it is worth looking into what options are avaialbe.

There could be a number of funding options available to you - and they are well worth a look.

Travel Support
Childcare Finance
Education Maintenance Allowance
Kit & Uniform Financial Assistance
Equipment, Materials and Uniforms
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Travel Support

If you are aged between 16 and 18 and live in Luton, you can apply for a Luton Savercard. It costs just £10 for the entire year and enables learners to buy reduced weekly tickets on the Arriva and Centrebus routes within the Luton & Dunstable area.

You must be attending a full-time course, be over school age but not aged 19 or over on the 31st August in the year in which their course of study began and live in the Luton, postcode areas LU1, LU2, LU3 or LU4.

How to Apply

Please pop into Student Services to pick up a form

If you live in Bedfordshire, you should apply to the county council for assistance. You must be a Bedfordshire resident aged between 16 and 18 and attending a full-time course. You must live more than three miles from the college and not closer to another college that offers the same course.

Bedfordshire residents will be required to make a contribution towards the cost of travel. For 2008/2009 the fee is £109 per term or one payment of £295 for a full academic year. The only exceptions to this are if your family is on Means Tested Benefits or you have a Statement of Special Educational Needs.

Transport for Residents of other Counties
You should contact your relevant Local Education Authority for information.
If you are refused travel you must obtain a letter of refusal, then come and speak to us in the Guidance and Student Services Office.

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Childcare Finance

Barnfield College has two nurseries, open during the day. Students can apply for financial assistance towards their childcare costs. Students under 20 can apply for financial help from Care to Learn and this support is also available for after-school clubs, private nurseries and childminders. The childcare provider must be registered with Social Services. We can support full or part time learners. We will assist with retainer fees for half terms, but not during the summer vacation period

How To Apply

For further information go to www.direct.gov.uk/caretolearn or contact 0800 121 8989.

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Education Maintenance Allowance - EMA

The EMA is a scheme which helps support students while they are attending college.
In return for good attendance and punctuality, you can receive up to £30 per week.
Two further bonus payments of £100, paid in January and July can also be received, dependant on meeting the agreed criteria and achieving in their studies.

Who is Eligible?

Learners aged between 16-18
Learners attending a recognised full-time course (minimum 12 hours per week)
The household income must be less than or equal to £30,810.

How To Apply

Call the EMA helpline on 080 012 18989 to order an application pack or online www.direct.gov/ema.

For general EMA enquires please contact Barnfield College's EMA Co-ordinator 01582 569660.

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Kit & Uniform Financial Assistance

Learner Support Funds
The college receives a specific amount of funding which students may apply for through Student Services.
These funds are designed to help learners on a low income to meet some of the costs incurred as a result of studying.

Eligibility criteria:
Are aged 16 or over
Enrolled on a further education programme
Been resident in the UK for at least three years
Are in receipt of, or are dependent upon, a means tested benefit such as Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Pension Credit, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate or have a similar low income

How to Apply

Students should obtain the Learner Support Fund Application Form from the Guidance & Student Services. Proof of income/benefit is required with each application.

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Equipment, materials and uniforms

A payment may be available towards items of equipment, materials or uniforms or specialist clothing which are deemed as being essential for your course.

Your tutor will let you know if you are required to buy any items and will issue you with the order forms. Bring these in to us with your Learner Support Fund Application Form.

If you purchase essential items, you may be entitled to a reimbursement, but you must have proof of purchase, so make sure you keep your receipts.

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