10.0 Definition Of Eligible Learning (DEL) - ILA200 only
10.1 By whom and how is eligibility of a course for ILA Scotland decided?
You should familiarise yourself with the Definition of Eligible Learning and submit those courses that you think are eligible through the PROM Tool. These can then be reviewed and classified by ILA Scotland staff based on the information supplied by you. Where required, ILA Scotland staff may contact the provider to seek clarification of the course to ensure accurate application of the DEL. The ILA Scotland decision on whether a course meets the DEL is final.
10.2 Are vocational courses eligible?
Yes, as long as the course application is instigated by the learner rather than the employer.
10.3 Are short term vocational courses for graduates eligible for funding?
Yes, provided the course meets the Definition of Eligible Learning and the learner satisfies the income assessment and verification process.
10.4 Are leisure courses, such as bowling, eligible?
Leisure courses, unless leading to a formal qualification, are NOT eligible.
10.5 Would a course in aromatherapy be eligible?
If the course was purely for leisure, an aromatherapy course would be excluded. However, if the course leads to a formal qualification or can be used to train for employment then it would meet the DEL.
10.6 Is First Aid eligible if the learner wants to use it to help become a paramedic?
Yes.
10.7 Are students studying part time at degree level eligible?
Yes, subject to income assessment and verification.
10.8 Full-time courses are not eligible for funding. What is classed as a full-time course?
Full-time Higher Education (HE) is not eligible for ILA Scotland funding. This includes full-time degree courses offered by Universities or Colleges and courses such as Higher National Certificates, Higher National Diplomas and Diplomas of Higher Education which match the definition of full-time courses. The formal definition of Full-time Higher Education can be found in section 38(2) (b), (c), (d), (e) of the Further Education and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992.
10.9 Are Skillnet courses eligible for funding? Can the Learning Bytes courses offered through Skillnet attract ILA Scotland funding?
Yes, if packaged and published on the database. The courses should meet the Definition of Eligible Learning and, as long as there is good quality learning support provided, the courses would be eligible.
10.10 Is ILA Scotland available to people undertaking Modern Apprenticeships?
ILA Scotland is not intended to double-fund training which is already fully supported, so would not be available to support training already covered by Modern Apprenticeships (MA). However, people undertaking Modern Apprenticeship training who are eligible for ILA Scotland and who wish to use ILA Scotland funding for some other type of learning could do so.
10.11 Will ILA Scotland cover the resources for courses such as ECDL?
ILA Scotland will not cover the resources alone for courses such as ECDL. However, where an inclusive package is offered, e.g. supported learning, log book and exam, and the log book and examination make up a reasonable proportion of overall course fees, then this would be covered.
10.12 We provide ECDL for free, but the logbook and exam have a fee, would that be OK?
As a rule, this would not be acceptable. However, there may be specific circumstances where this would be acceptable. This would be discussed with you, on an individual basis, as part of the application of the Definition of Eligible Learning.
10.13 We run an ECDL course which runs over a 3 year period. Can this be funded over the 3 year period?
Yes, assuming the course meets the Definition of Eligible Learning and each module is listed as a separate course, with the price information on the database, and that there are sufficient funds in each of the learner account years.
10.15 Will it be clear what constitutes a learning episode, e.g. what is the position with a 2 year course?
If the course is modular, with a distinct start and end date with separate pricing, then each module would be considered a separate learning episode and could therefore be paid for from separate learner account years.
10.16 Do all courses need a start date?
Yes, this will be published on the database. Nominal start dates will be required for flexible learning, e.g. online learning.
10.17 If the exam fee is more than the cost of the course, can ILA Scotland still cover it?
Generally no; however, ILA Scotland will fund the cost of courses where the examination is included and forms a reasonable percentage of the course cost.
10.18 Some of our courses are broken down into modules but not all of them have prices. Can these be included?
Modular courses are acceptable but every course must have a published price on the database.
10.19 Can you advise what the position is regarding leisure courses, such as languages, which are not certified?
Language courses are not classed as leisure courses for ILA Scotland purposes, so all are eligible. Other leisure courses are eligible if leading to a qualification.
10.20 Can you clarify the difference between general interest courses and leisure courses?
A course not leading to a qualification and with no clear developmental application, probably taken by a learner purely in pursuit of a hobby, would be classed as a leisure course. However, the distinction between general interest and leisure is not always easy to make – if you think a course you offer should be eligible, you should submit the course to ILA Scotland for assessment.