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Local ESOL Coordination

This page includes resources which aim to support local ESOL coordination and improve access to English language provision for Londoners with English language needs. It aims to support organisations in the sector with:

1. Signposting

Resources to support organisations helping Londoners with English language needs find suitable ESOL courses, including, where they exist: 

  • details of ESOL Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) 
  • directories and maps of local provision

2. Mapping

Information to support local mapping of ESOL provision for both sign-posting, partnership and planning purposes. 

3. Partnerships

Resources to support collaboration between ESOL providers and other organisations supporting Londoners with English language needs, including:

  • Information on existing ESOL Networks or relevant forums
  • examples of local coordination models
  • templates to support data collection and ESOL network development

ESOL SPOCs support people with English language needs to access local, suitable ESOL services, working with a full ESOL provider range to signpost and refer learners. Providers usually carry out initial assessments, identifying learner needs, levels and accessibility requirements pre-referral. You can find more information about ESOL SPOCs, including templates in the Partnership Resources section. 

ESOL networks usually consist of formal and informal ESOL providers, and a range of local organisations supporting people with English language needs. They meet regularly, working collaboratively to improve each area's ESOL access and relevant services, including mapping local provision. Some networks share teaching resources, organise joint training and development opportunities, submit joint funding bids and much more. 

Some areas will not have a specific ESOL provider or stakeholder network, but may have a skills and training related network. You can find more information about ESOL Networks, including templates in the Partnership Resources section. 

ESOL maps and directories detail local ESOL providers and (sometimes) provision.

 

London currently benefits from several funding streams through which ESOL provision has been delivered.  You can find a list of these streams, and information on the organisations they fund, below. 

  1. Adult Skills Fund (ASF), previously Adult Education Budget (AEB)
  2. National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF)
  3. UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
  4. MHCLG Hong Kong BN(O) demand-led English language funding 
  5. MHCLG Specialist Training and Employment Programme (STEP) Ukraine and Hong Kong
  6. MHCLG SMP ESOL Capacity Fund (informal provision)

Find out about ESOL delivered via other funding streams by searching the following:

GrantNav. 

Compassionate Communities

For regular updates on new funding streams and invitations to tender, subscribe to the GLA's ESOL Newsletter. 

Previous ESOL funding streams which have come to a close, are soon to close or which no longer have an specific English language element include: 

Guidance

Potential funding

Templates

Job descriptions

Models 

Resources

Evaluations

ESOL data and potential partners

Research reports

 

 

 

 

 

The Home Office funds Strategic Migration Partnerships (SMP) in various UK regions. London's SMP is the London Strategic Migration Partnership. Regional English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) Coordinators sit within each SMP, working in various ways to improve access to ESOL course for resettled refugees. The Home Office and Mayor of London jointly fund London's Regional ESOL Coordinator position. You can contact your regional ESOL Coordinator using the below button.

Stay up to date

If you regularly support Londoners with English language needs, the GLA’s monthly ESOL newsletter is an easy way to keep up to date on ESOL-related news, funding, training, partnership and job opportunities in the sector. It includes interesting case studies, and ESOL course vacancies and progression opportunities for learners.

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