ESOL Funding for Asylum Seekers - Full or Co-Funding?

Hi Jon

This is getting increasingly complicated!

For NATIONAL, non-devolved AEB, Asylum Seekers are not considered Unemployed because they're not allowed to work (this was precisely the wording used to me in a reply from ESFA). Because they're not allowed to work, they also cannot be low-waged. There is no "get out" clause for these learners to be fully funded, although, of course, they can be co-funded if they've been here six months.

Currently, GMCA, CPCA and GLA are fully funding Asylum Seekers (GMCA on ESOL only I think, the other two on everything) through variations to their funding rules. Not aware of any of the other devolved authorities doing anything yet, although more than keen to join in with any lobbying anyone hears about!

Sorry, realised that's a bit of an acronym salad!

GMCA - Greater Manchester

CPCA - Cambridge & Peterborough

GLA - Greater London

Hi Steve,

Thank you, this is a helpful explanation, though very disappointing we can't claim full funding as a non-devolved LA.  Love the acronym salad!

Many thanks, Jon

Suspect you've already thought of this, but it is allowable to use a small amount of your LearnER Support Fund to cover fees for people who meet whatever criteria the organisation sets (and, given how few learners *aren't* fully funded these days, there aren't many options!).

Also, quick plug for Ruth Hayman Trust, a charity I am very proud to be Chair of, which supports learners whose first language isn't English (a lot of whom are seeking sanctuary in one way or another) with course fees: http://www.ruthhaymantrust.org.uk/ 

Thank you Steve for these extra suggestions.  As a local authority we can also look to other small amounts of funds and we'll check out the Trust you're the chair of.  Thanks, Jon