City of Westminster College has been working to help its students who should be in receipt of EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance), but have not received their funding due to the well-publicised issues surrounding the Allowance’s administration and delivery.
This is a particularly serious issue at the College due to the high number of students who are from low-income backgrounds and require additional support to enable them to achieve their learning and career goals. Indeed, in 2004 City of Westminster College was chosen as the venue for the national launch of EMA by the then Secretary of State for Education and Skills Charles Clarke.
Last year over 1,300 students (out of a College total of some 7,000), were in receipt of EMA by the end of the academic year. This academic year staff have noticed a drop in the numbers of students receiving confirmation of their EMA and it’s hoped the situation will soon be resolved.
Head of Administrative Services Kamlyn Ramkisson, who was interviewed for Channel 4 news this morning, outlined some of the ways in which the College has been tackling problems facing students.
Kamlyn said: “We have sent out bulletins and put up posters to ensure that students who should be in receipt of EMA seek assistance from their tutors or the College’s Student Advisors. Student Advisors have been going the extra mile to assist our young people.”
Senior Student Advisor Sophie Knight added: “Over 100 people a week have been visiting us to ask for financial support. A key issue is that you have to have 100 per cent attendance to receive your EMA – and many of our students have long and expensive journeys. So those who have been advised they will receive their EMA are receiving assistance with travel costs from our Faculties’ Welfare Funds. Those who haven’t heard anything yet are receiving a one-off payment from the College’s Discretionary Learner Support Fund.”
Travel is not the only problem these students face – and the College has made extra provision to ensure they don’t go hungry. Kamlyn said: “We have been supplying luncheon vouchers. Another initiative, which has proved very popular, is the provision of free breakfasts for students.”
Kamlyn concluded: “City of Westminster College will continue to provide as much assistance as possible. The fundamental issue here is that we don’t want promising students to drop out just because they can’t afford to attend classes.”