Education: Carers
20th June 2011
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has had with carers organisations on steps to ensure that carers receive equal opportunities to access further or higher education by (a) part-time and (b) full-time mode; and if he will make a statement.
Mr Hayes: This Government have been very clear about the importance of widening participation and improving access to further and higher education. Adult carers have been given consideration as part of the enhancements to adult learner support for students in further education. Representative bodies were invited to discussions earlier this year to help formulate the policy. Carers are eligible to apply for learner support funds as appropriate and this will remain the case for 2011-12.
In higher education we are establishing a new framework, with increased responsibility on universities to widen participation. Higher education institutions will be encouraged to identify candidates with the ability and potential to succeed, offering those that might need extra support the appropriate assistance. For full-time students in higher education a comprehensive package of grants and loans is available through the student finance system, with extra support for students with adult or child dependants in the form of an Adult Dependants' Grant, Childcare Grant and Parents' Learning Allowance. From 2012/13 eligible new part-time students will not pay upfront tuition charges and will be able to access loans in order to pay for their tuition, as is the case for full-time students.
