The Newham ESOL Exchange aims to co-ordinate better information and planning of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes in the borough.
Almost two years ago three workers based in Community Centres, but not directly involved in ESOL provision began talking about the difficulties many people were having in accessing suitable ESOL training. In some places there were just long waiting lists, but many clients could not access free tuition because of their immigration status, or because there was no childcare provision. We also had concerns about the geographical spread of classes, and the apparent shortfall of provision for pre-entry level learners.
We were surprised to discover that there was no co-ordination of ESOL service planning, commissioning, or delivery. In fact no-one had a clear picture of what was available, where, and when. Providers felt they were succeeding when their classes were full, but no-one was giving much attention to unmet needs.
As a result of these discussions, a working group made up of local ESOL providers was set up. It organised two significant half-day conferences in 2008. In February, 28 people from 21 organisations heard a speaker from the Department of Innovation, Universities, and Skills (DIUS) as well as local professionals, and gave a clear mandate to progress plans for the ESOL Exchange project. They elected a steering group which includes people from the voluntary, community, and statutory sectors. In May, 32 people attended a conference that looked at ESOL from the national perspective and at funding, child care and collaborative working.
Using a small grant from Newham ChangeUp, ESOL provision in Newham was mapped and a Newham ESOL Directory was compiled. This is available electronically but funds were found to print a few hundred copies.
The ESOL Exchange steering group represents a genuinely collaborative partnership of organisations from the voluntary and statutory sectors. It has continued to meet regularly to share information, clarify needs and work towards a funded project. It has also met with Newham NHS Primary Care Trust staff who are concerned that people who do not speak English cannot understand or access preventative services. A second small grant from Newham ChangeUp has helped to formalise the structure of the steering group, and paid for the production of an information pack to help raise the consortium's profile.
For further information contact:
Anne Crisp
Community Development Worker
Aston-Mansfield Community Involvement Unit
E-mail: anne.crisp@aston-mansfield.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8536 3822
Latest Information
Please visit us again for the latest updates on the work of the ESOL Exchange.
Download the Newham ESOL Directory
Click on the link below to download the latest edition of the Newham ESOL Directory.
ESOL Directory 2008
