This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), who operate the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and hold the information about take-up and payments under the scheme. Mark Haysom, the Council's Chief Executive, will write to the hon. Gentleman with the information requested and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library.
Letter from Mark Haysom, dated 26 November 2007:
I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Question that asked; "How many learners in programme-led apprenticeships have received an education maintenance allowance."
By mid November 2007, 5,811 learners in programme-led apprenticeships have received one or more Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) payments during the 2007/08 academic year.
EMA take-up data showing the number of young people who have received one or more EMA payments during 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07 and to date in 2007/08 is now also available on the LSC website, at the following address:
http://www.lsc.gov.uk/providers/Data/statistics/learner/EMA_take_up.htm