An Overview of Apprenticeship Learning Support and Funding Guidance

For apprentices with learning difficulties or disabilities, additional support is often essential for success. This guide outlines available learning support funding, assessment requirements, and claiming procedures based on the 2024-25 funding rules.

Mandatory Screening & Key Changes

The Apprenticeship Funding Rules 2024-25 require providers to conduct mandatory screening for all apprentices to identify potential learning difficulties. Key changes for 2024-25 included the move from monthly to quarterly support reviews, although some providers still choose to do these monthly.

Needs Assessment

A thorough assessment is essential to identify specific support requirements. The guidance on support for apprentices outlines that providers must first conduct an initial screening, then follow up with detailed assessment if needed. Assessments can now occur at any point during the apprenticeship, not just at the start.

Eligibility

To qualify for learning support funding, apprentices must either have an existing Education, Health and Care Plan, a statement of special educational needs, a learning difficulty assessment, or undergo an evidence-based assessment confirming a learning difficulty or disability as defined in section 15ZA of the Education Act 1996.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in supporting apprentices with learning difficulties. This includes text-to-speech software, speech recognition tools, screen readers, alternative keyboards, and organisational software.

Providers can claim for assistive technology costs as part of learning support funding. For one-off equipment purchases exceeding £150, providers can claim the standard monthly amount plus the remainder through the Earnings Adjustment Statement. Equipment purchased remains the provider's property and should be reused where appropriate.

Claiming Learning Support Funding

Standard Support (£150 per month)

Learning support is provided at a fixed rate of £150 per month and claimed through the individualised learner record (ILR). To claim, providers must:

• Assess the apprentice's needs and document evidence

• Record these needs in the training plan

• Implement and document reasonable adjustments

• Review progress quarterly

• Report the learning support need in the ILR

Claims should only be made for months where adjustments have been implemented and resulted in monetary costs, as detailed in the EAS guidance for 2024-25.

Excess Support

For costs exceeding £150 per month but below £19,000 per year, providers can claim excess learning support through the Earnings Adjustment Statement.

Exceptional Support

For needs exceeding £19,000 annually, exceptional learning support is available with additional evidence requirements.

Evidence Requirements

Providers must maintain comprehensive e

vidence for each supported apprentice, including:

• Assessment documentation identifying the learning difficulty/disability

• Evidence showing how this affects apprenticeship completion

• Documentation of implemented reasonable adjustments

• Records of costs incurred

• Progress review records

Conclusion

Creating an inclusive apprenticeship environment requires an understanding of the assessment process, available funding, and proper claiming procedures. This support enables apprentices with learning difficulties and disabilities to overcome barriers and succeed in their programmes.

For more information, please contact Skillbridge Solutions.

Prepared by Skillbridge Solutions, May 2025. For current information, please refer to the latest guidance.