Glossary
LARS
Learning Aim Reference Service
The database of learning aims and their funding attributes.
In full
The Learning Aim Reference Service holds every learning aim with the attributes that drive funding, including level, guided learning hours, funding eligibility by stream and the dates between which it may be delivered.
Checking an aim here before enrolling a learner is the cheapest possible way to prevent a funding problem.
Where this comes up
diagnostic
The Learning aim reference is not a valid lookup on LARS
The Learning aim reference must be a valid lookup on the LARS database
diagnostic
The Learning aim reference is not valid in the LARS database for this Funding model and this Learning start date
If the learning aim is funded as 14-16 ESFA funded provision, then the validity end date (if entered) on the record with the latest validity start date in the LARS database for this Learning aim reference must be after the end of the previous teaching year for the corresponding Validity in the LARS database
diagnostic
The Learning aim reference is not valid in the LARS database for this Funding model for this teaching year
If the learning aim is a Skills Bootcamp, Other Adult or Non funded component aims, then the validity end date (if entered) on the record with the latest validity start date in the LARS database for this Learning aim reference must be after the end of the previous teaching year for the corresponding Validity in the LARS database
diagnostic
The Learning aim reference is not valid in the LARS database for this Funding model for this teaching year
For new starts on or after 1 August 2024 and if the learning aim is funded as Free Courses for Jobs provision, then the validity end date (if entered) on the record with the latest validity start date in the LARS database for this Learning aim reference must be after the end of the previous teaching year for the corresponding Validity in the LARS database
diagnostic
The Learning aim reference is not valid in the LARS database for this Funding model for this teaching year
If the learning aim is funded through Tailored Learning, then the validity end date (if entered) on the record with the latest validity start date in the LARS database for this Learning aim reference must be after the end of the previous teaching year for the corresponding Validity in the LARS database
diagnostic
The Learning aim reference is not valid in the LARS database for this Funding model for this teaching year
For new starts on or after 1 August 2024 and if the learning aim is funded through Adult Skills Fund, then the validity end date (if entered) on the record with the latest validity start date in the LARS database for this Learning aim reference must be after the end of the previous teaching year for the corresponding Validity in the LARS database