Learner Support Principles page
These are the underlying principles of learner support which the Scottish Executive applies in considering options for policy change (set out in the Funding of Learners Review, 2004). These include a number of analytical principles and administrative criteria.
Learner support policy should:
- support wider access to learning opportunities
- recognise the requirements of the economy as a whole and the need for equity of provision between individuals and between groups
- be evidence-based
- reflect the allocation of private and social costs and benefits
- base intervention on evidence of market failure
- stimulate the use of market signals on the demand side of the learning market
- provide clear information to learners and providers so informed choices can be made
Individual policy approaches should be:
- relevant to Scottish circumstances and the needs of the learning market in Scotland
- easy to understand
- logical
- equitable
- consistent
- targeted
- inclusive
- affordable and provide value for money
- efficient
It is also important to consider the potential impacts and outcomes of different policy options from the perspectives of:
- learners
- learning providers (university/college)
- employers
- government/the 'public purse'