Local ESOL Coordination
Find information on this page about the following:
- Information about the resources available to support the sign-posting and referral of people with English language needs in London boroughs. These may include ESOL Single Points of Contact (SPOCs), networks, directories or maps. Not all London boroughs currently have resources available to support sign-posting and referrals.
- Resources to aid mapping by organisations and advisers.
- Resources to support partnership working, including information on different models of local ESOL coordination, and templates to support effective data collection to inform curriculum design and planning.
ESOL SPOCs support people with English language needs to access suitable ESOL provision in their local area by working with the full range of ESOL providers to sign-post and refer learners. They usually carry out an initial assessment first to identify the learner's needs, levels and accessibility requirements before referral.
ESOL Networks are usually made up of formal and informal ESOL providers, and a range of organisations supporting people with English language needs in a local area. They meet regularly and work collaboratively to improve access to English classes and relevant services in each locality. In many cases, ESOL networks carry out mapping of providers and provision in a locality. Click below or right click and 'copy email address' to email the network lead for each area.
ESOL maps and ESOL directories are maps and/or lists of local ESOL providers and sometimes, provision.
- London: Adult Education Budget (AEB) Provider Map
- London: Informal ESOL Provider Map (Map of Services)
- Brent ESOL Directory
- Lambeth ESOL Directory
- Newham ESOL Exchange Map
- Southwark ESOL Directory
- Department for Work and Pensions' District Provision Tool - Directory
- Mapping resources in other regions (not London)
There are, currently or soon to be, several streams of funding for ESOL and a wide range of providers in London. You can find a list of these funding streams, and information on the organisations funded by them below:
- Adult Education Budget (AEB)
- National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF)
- UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
- Refugee Employability Programme (REP)
- STEP Ukraine previously, Ukraine ESOL and Employment Programme
Further information about each funding stream and general eligibility criteria can be found in the GLA's ESOL for Resettlement guidance.
In addition, people on particular immigration routes and resettlement schemes may be eligible for funding as part of their resettlement packages.
You can find out about ESOL delivered through other funders using the search terms 'English language' and 'ESOL' on GrantNav.
Previous funding streams in London have included:
- European Social Fund (ESF)
- Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF-Home Office)
- Controlling Migration Fund (CMF-DLUHC)
- English for Integration Fund (EFIF-DLUHC)
- Community-based English Language Fund (CBEL- MHCLG)
Guidance
Funding
Templates
- ESOL Initial Assessment and Data Form 2021-22
- ESOL IA and Data Form Editable
- ESOL Data Collection Framework
- ESOL Network Terms of Reference Sample 1
- ESOL Network Terms of Reference Sample 2
- ESOL Network Terms of Reference Sample 3
Models
Resources
- Learner video ESOL Advice Service Bedford
- Learner video ESOL Advice Service Manchester
- Video for organisations ESOL Advice Service Manchester
- Information booklet for organisations ESOL Advice Service Hackney (decommissioned)
- Outreach advice flyer ESOL Advice Service Hackney (decommissioned)
Evaluations
Data and potential partners
Annual reports
The Home Office funds Strategic Migration Partnerships (SMP) in the different regions of the UK. The SMP in London is called the London Strategic Migration Partnership. Regional English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) Coordinators sit within the SMP and work in a range of ways to improve access to ESOL classes for resettled refugees. The Regional ESOL Coordinator position in London is jointly funded by the Home Office and the Mayor of London. Use the button below to get in touch with your regional ESOL Coordinator.
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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