Discretionary Learner Support (DLS) is a fund that allows us to provide financial support to students on a course funded through the ESFA with a specific financial hardship preventing them from taking part in learning.
We can support help student with the following:
- Tuition and Examination fees
- Books and Equipment
- Travel – We offer support for travel for exceptional circumstances
Childcare
We would advise all students eligible for free childcare through the Free Education and childcare for 2-year-olds or 15 and 30 hours free childcare for 3 and 4 years old, to use these hours towards their WEA course/s. For more information on your eligibility for childcare please visit https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs.
Alternatively, Childcare support can be offered by the WEA through the Discretionary Learner Support (DLS) fund. Students will need to complete a DLS form and await approval before confirming a childcare placement.
Students under 20 years old will need to apply for childcare via https://www.gov.uk/care-to-learn.
For any questions regarding the DLS fund contact the Student Support team by emailing studentsupport@wea.org.uk or by calling 0300 303 3464.
To complete a DLS form click here.
