§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the(a) cost and (b) likely effect on participation rates of extending educational maintenance allowances to those engaged in part-time study. [156635]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisThe minimum attendance requirement for EMA is only 12 guided learning hours per week, so the main evaluation of the pilot scheme has assessed impact on part-time as well as full-time study. We do not plan to extend EMA to those studying for less than 12 hours. The evidence from the evaluation also indicates that with EMA, young people are able to establish a better balance between part-time work and their studies.