HC Deb 17 April 2002 vol 383 cc964-5W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of the 26 March 2002,Official Report, column 902W, regarding NVQ level II funding, what steps her Department has taken with the Department of Health to ensure that all those individuals who qualify for (a) grants and (b) funds have knowledge of and access to them; and if she will make a statement. [50564]

Mr. Timms

This Department and its partners such as the Learning and Skills Council, education and training providers, local authorities and the Connexions Service take a wide range of steps to ensure that individuals have knowledge of, and access to, grants and funds to pursue education and training at all levels. Examples include: local marketing strategies developed by partners to reflect local needs and priorities; national leaflets on financial support while studying; other national and local marketing and careers material; advice and guidance from the Connexions Service and other information and guidance services; and the national learndirect telephone help-line.

The Learning and Skills Council and other partners are working with the Department of Health, the Training Organisation for Social Care (TOPSS) and social care employers to ensure that the maximum number of care staff receive supported NVQ training.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 26 March 2002,Official Report, column 902W, regarding NVQ level II funding, what (a) funds and (b) grants are available to individuals over the age of 24 years to obtain NVQ level II. [50560]

Mr. Timms

The Government provide 75 per cent. of the standard national course costs to the Learning and Skills Council to pass on to colleges. Additionally, students in further education can seek financial help towards the additional costs associated with study, ie transport, fees, books and equipment, and exam costs from the discretionary Access Fund, if they can demonstrate particular need. It also helps with short-term child care and, to a limited extent, emergency payments for living expenses. The Childcare Support Fund offers help to lone parents and others who are on low incomes with the cost of registered child care while studying. Career development loans are also available to individuals undertaking vocational courses, to cover the cost of fees and associated costs which are not supported from other sources. However, colleges at their discretion may remit some or all of the tuition fee for adults where there is financial hardship or they may offer access to a college hardship fund.