Achieving Compliance in Claiming Learning Support and Applying Functional Skills Exceptions

Getting Learning Support Right: Delivering effective support for the best outcomes for learners, and avoiding costly mistakes

Overview

Learning Support is one of the most scrutinised areas of apprenticeship funding and a common focus of audit activity. This webinar will provide a practical overview of the funding rules and DfE expectations, helping providers ensure that Learning Support is both effective for apprentices and fully compliant.

The session will cover:

Assessing and evidencing learning difficulties, disabilities and additional learning needs.
Planning an appropriate and individualised programme of Learning Support.
Recording and evidencing the delivery of support.
Reviewing support arrangements and determining when continued support remains necessary and fundable.
Common compliance risks, audit findings and examples of good practice.

We will also explore the new 2026 to 2027 Learning Support funding rules for apprenticeship units, including the implications for providers and the changes required to existing processes and controls.

In addition, the webinar will examine the flexibilities available for apprentices with learning difficulties or disabilities in relation to English and maths requirements, helping providers understand when these can be applied and the evidence required to support them.

This is an opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of DfE expectations, benchmark your current arrangements against best practice, identify potential compliance risks, and ask questions in an interactive forum.

Objectives

By attending, you will gain:

Gain a clear understanding of the key requirements within the DfE’s Financial Handbook and how to apply them confidently in practice.
Take away practical approaches and tools to help implement the handbook’s guidance effectively within your organisation.
Strengthen your understanding of good financial management, governance, and risk management practices to support compliance and provide greater assurance over your funding.
Identify opportunities to enhance your organisation’s governance framework and improve oversight of financial and operational risks.
Leave with actionable insights that can be applied immediately to support your organisation’s financial resilience and accountability.