learn EAST

the Third Sector
Learning and Skills
network for the
East of England

our projects - Engage and Enable

Support for Teaching, Learner Support and Advice and Guidance Qualifications

Bursary Scheme Information

As part of the ESF Technical Assistance Engage and Enable Project, funds are being made available to assist individuals, working as practitioners in teaching, learner support or advice giving roles in the Voluntary and Community Sector, to undertake a relevant accredited qualification.

Bursary support is only available to individuals working or volunteering within the Third Sector and for accredited courses delivered by a recognised provider. Courses must be related to a teaching, learner support or advice giving role and can be at any level.

COVER will be administering the bursary scheme but are not responsible for sourcing the provision or providing advice on the course being undertaken. The learner must ensure that they meet the minimum requirements of the course provider before applying for a bursary.

Bursaries will be offered to meet 90% of the full cost of the qualification up to a maximum value of £500. Any additional cost must be met by the individual or their employing organisation.

Individuals wishing to apply to the bursary scheme can view the Bursary Eligibility Criteria below download an application form here. This information is also on the COVER website.

COVER anticipate providing approximately 40 bursaries across the region and applications can be made to the bursary scheme at any time until September 2011 or until the funds run.

Individuals meeting the eligibility criteria and having identified the course they wish to undertake should email the completed application form, together with the supporting information required, to the Bursary Administrator, janice.mossey@cover-east.org or send to Janice Mossey at COVER, Eagle Stile, Rectory Farm Barns, Walden Road, Little Chesterford, Essex, CB10 1UD.

If you have any questions relating to this offer of support please contact Nikki Bennett, Regional VCS Skills Strategy Manager, on 07796 001361 or email nikki.bennett@cover-east.org.

Bursary Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants can apply for a bursary for any accredited qualification associated with a teaching, advice giving or learner support role that they are currently undertaking
2. No more than two bursaries will be awarded to any one organisation
3. Applicants must be an employee or volunteer within a Third Sector Organisation located in the East of England
4. Applicants must be working in organisations who are members of one of the six Sub regional learning consortia or partnerships that make up learn EAST
5. Applicants can apply for up to 90% of the cost of their course (including any exam or certification fee) to a maximum value of £500. Travel or backfill costs cannot be claimed
6. Applicants must complete and submit a signed Engage and Enable bursary application form and provide supporting evidence as required
7. Applicants must be able to demonstrate, via a job description, that their role involves delivering learning or supporting learners in a group setting
8. Applicants are responsible for sourcing their own learning opportunity and provider
9. Bursaries will be paid on receipt of evidence that the course is paid for and that the applicant is enrolled on the course. The bursary can only be paid to the employing organisation.
10. Successful applicants agree to provide feedback on the course and the impact of the
    qualification on their role and work.
11. Once registered on a course, if a learner pulls out of the course for any reason their employing organisation will be required to repay 50% of the bursary to cover administration and registration costs.