Extenuating circumstances

The EMA Learning Agreement includes a question about extenuating circumstances. This may prompt a discussion between you and the student about whether they’re experiencing extenuating circumstances that may affect their attendance.

The purpose of this is to support vulnerable students who are at risk of not participating in education. This may include, but is not limited to, caring responsibilities, such as looking after a family member who is ill or a disabled.

If the student has highlighted extenuating circumstances, you can capture this on the EMA Learning Agreement and the Learning Centre Portal, but you must have the student’s consent first. We recommend that you follow your own established processes for supporting vulnerable students, rather than record the circumstances on the EMA Learning Agreement.

You should acknowledge the circumstances when you confirm weekly attendance. Please consider the circumstances of your students case by case when you decide if they should receive their EMA payments.