Are you confused about the rules around Breaks in Learning? Keep reading to find out more!
An apprentice may take a break in learning where they plan to return to the same apprenticeship programme. Breaks in learning must be recorded on the ILR and the delivery of any remaining training and/or assessment following a break, if required will need to be re-planned. The employer should revise the apprenticeship agreement if required.
The provider must use a break in learning where there is no plan for any active learning to take place within a calendar month. The only exception to this is for those apprentices with a term-time only contract, where a break in learning for the month of August is not required. The reason for the break and its expected duration must be discussed with their employer. This could include medical treatment, parental leave or leave for other personal reasons.
Please note that in August 2023, the policy changed from active learning every 4 weeks to active learning every calendar month. This change applied to new starts and to existing learners on programme on 31 July 2023.
The provider must not record a break in learning:
- For annual leave, public holidays and short-term absence
- For those apprentices with a term-time only contract, where we do not require a break in learning for the month of August.
- When employment or an apprenticeship agreement has ended (redundancy, resignation, dismissal or any other action by the apprentice or the employer that results in the apprenticeship agreement ending).
Where the apprentice takes a break in learning and then returns to the same apprenticeship, they will return to the same funding rules they were following prior to their break.
You can access further guidance on our Funding and Levy page.