FAQs: Local Partners

Q. What is my role in delivering EMA?

A. Local Learning and Skills Councils take the lead in forming and maintaining forums where issues around EMA and other learner support can be discussed at practical and operational level. Local Authorities (LAs) can clearly support 11-16 schools to promote the full range of learner support available including transport and hardship. Connexions has a major role in supporting young people as they make post-16 decisions.

All partners will have an interest in planning marketing and promotional activity. A range of marketing materials are available to download or order from this site.

Q. What support are we expected to provide for young people locally?

A. It is clear that some young people and their families still find the application form hard to complete. It is for local partners to decide how best to identify and support these families so they can benefit from EMA. This will include involving a range of other local agencies who can offer more one-to-one support. The structure of these agencies and the level of support they can offer will vary from area to area.

Q. What does it mean for the Area LSC's?

A. The LSC is charged with the responsibility of the lead role for co-ordinating the activities of local partners. Partnership teams within area LSC's are expected to coordinate the local implementation of EMA, ensuring that providers have clear milestones in preparing for their responsibilities.

Q. What does it mean for Connexions partnerships?

A. Connexions is responsible for local activities to help the hardest-to-reach young people in their areas benefit from EMA. Connexions has links with some of the more disadvantaged and vulnerable young people. They are working with the 'not in education, employment or training' (NEET) young people in particular and with Year 11 students most at risk of entering this group. They also work with schools to support careers education and guidance programmes and individual learning plans; to provide a coherent programme of careers education and guidance that includes information about EMA alongside other financial support such as transport, childcare and Discretionary Support Funds. They target those young people who can be motivated to return to learning or who are at risk of dropping out of learning.

Q. What does it mean for Local Authorities?

A. LAs are responsible for promotion, support and monitoring activities, as agreed within their EMA partnership group. There is a particularly important role for LAs in promotion of the scheme in schools, to Year 11 and younger pupils.

Q. What is the role of 11-16 schools?

A. 11–16 schools have an important role in making sure the young people in their school are aware of EMA and in encouraging them to take up the allowance. Awareness of EMA should form part of the careers education and guidance programme for all young people up to and including Year 11.