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Local ESOL Coordination

This page includes resources which aim to strength local ESOL delivery and improve access to English language provision for Londoners with English language needs. It aims to help with:

1. Signposting and referral

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) and ESOL Networks
  • directories and maps of local provision
2. Mapping local ESOL provision

Information to support local mapping of ESOL courses and providers for both sign-posting and partnership purposes. 

3. Partnership working

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

  • examples of local coordination models
  • templates to support data collection and ESOL network development
  • resources to help with planning ESOL provision and identifying gaps

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 has several ESOL funding streams and as a result, a range of providers in both the formal and informal sector. You can find a list of these streams, and information on the organisations they fund, below. Funding is not always targeted at ESOL, but ESOL has been known to be funded via it. 

  1. Adult Skills Fund (ASF), previously Adult Education Budget (AEB)
  2. National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF)
  3. UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
  4. Hong Kong BN(O) demand-led English language funding

You can find out more about each funding stream (and general eligibility criteria) in the GLA's ESOL for Resettlement guidance.

Find out about ESOL delivered via other funders by searching the terms 'English language' and 'ESOL' on GrantNav.

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

Previous funding streams used in London for ESOL 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-relevant 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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