The Department for Education (DfE) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have published updated guidance and forms for Exceptional Learning Support (ELS) costs. These documents are intended for colleges, training organisations, and employers that receive funding from either department.
Organisations must use the ELS cost form to submit estimated and final costs for individual learners whose learning support expenses exceed £19,000 in a relevant funding year. For ELS claims relating to 2025 to 2026, the estimated cost form must be submitted via Document exchange.
For the 2026 to 2027 funding year, the exceptional learning support estimated cost form must be submitted through the customer help portal. The guidance for completing the ELS cost form and the estimated cost form for 2026 to 2027 has been added.
Organisations are reminded not to include learner names, initials, or other personal information in file titles when uploading cost forms, as this constitutes a breach of GDPR. Uploaded files should only contain the unique learner number (ULN) for identification purposes; files not adhering to this protocol will not be processed.