Case study: Local ESL coordination Southwark

The Southwark ESOL Network is a network of ESOL providers and stakeholders who come together to share information, build relationships and collaborate on improving access to ESOL for migrants in the borough. Initiated by English for Action and the Southwark Adult Learning Service in 2023, the network has been meeting termly and has expanded to include local colleges, Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) providers, conversation club providers, and migrant and employability support services. 

Addressing issues in the ESOL landscape 

The Southwark ESOL Network was initially established to address the lack of information about ESOL in Southwark. Most Southwark based ESOL professionals were unaware of the ESOL provision available locally beyond their own institutions. Many migrant residents also struggled to find information about ESOL classes in their community. As ESOL teachers, we were familiar with hearing stories from learners about how they had been living in Southwark for years before they had found an ESOL class, usually through word of mouth. 

English for Action and Southwark Adult Learning Service began reaching out to other ESOL stakeholders, and an initial meeting was held in January 2023. From the first meeting, attended by representatives of 10 local organisations, it was clear there was an appetite for more information sharing, coordination and collaboration across the ESOL sector locally, and the network was established. The network now meets termly, each time at a different ESOL venue, and is chaired collaboratively by hosts and partners. 
 

ESOL providers and stakeholders are now better connected and better informed about local provision and additional services for migrants and refugees. 

The first piece of work carried out by the network was the collection of information about existing ESOL provision in Southwark. Each provider shared information about their provision including location, any eligibility criteria, childcare, levels taught, accreditation and registration links. This information was then collated and published on Southwark council’s website in the form of an ESOL directory. 

Over the last year, the Southwark ESOL Network worked with Southwark council’s Local Economy Team to support the council’s Essential Skills strategy in mapping adult education provision. ESOL providers are now also identifiable on Southwark Maps.

English for Action, Southwark Adult Learning Service and other partners from the Southwark ESOL Network collaborated last year on the first English Language Fair in Southwark - a GLA funded initiative to help Londoners access adult education and employability support. The relationships established through the network supported the organisation of the fair, which brought together 14 ESOL and support service providers to run stalls signpost and register over 80 migrant residents for appropriate provision. 
 

Regular meetings to share information and updates, and the collation of information online, have helped providers and stakeholders build a clearer picture of ESOL provision in Southwark. However, there are still considerable challenges for migrant residents with low levels of English and limited digital skills to find and access classes. The success of the Southwark English Language Fair in supporting residents to register for classes demonstrates the need for an in-person service. Lessons from other boroughs, including Waltham Forest and Camden have inspired the Southwark ESOL Network to advocate for an ESOL Advice Service, and the network is currently working alongside the Local Economy Team and other partners to explore implementing a similar model in Southwark.

To join the Southwark ESOL Network or to find out more please contact:

• Kasia Blackman, English for Action – [email protected]
• Cathleen Xuereb, Southwark Adult Learning Service  – [email protected]