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Committee of Inquiry into ESOL.

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10 October 2006

The NIACE Committee of Inquiry into ESOL has now published its full report. Its remit was to: To review existing evidence on the provision for people with ESOL needs in England, with particular emphasis on quality and quantity of provision, staffing, pedagogy and purposes. To review definitions of ESOL, evidence of need, its extent and the changing nature of demand for ESOL. To identify what could be done to improve ESOL provision including quality of management and leadership, quality of teaching, learning and achievement; assessment; recruitment of staff; qualifications of specialist and vocational staff; funding and resourcing. To examine ESOL in its wider context, including its relationship to citizenship, migration, settlement, employment and social justice and equality issues, and the implications of these relationships for provision, funding and pedagogy. To make realistic recommendations to policy makers, funders, inspectorates, providers and practitioners. “Is this a fresh start for ESOL?” NATECLA Press release What speakers of English as a second language in the UK most need is high quality opportunities to learn English on courses which are local, flexible, easy to access and tailored to their needs. NATECLA warmly welcomes the findings of the NIACE Committee of Enquiry Report “More than a Language”. For the very first time a national report has looked in detail at how English language teaching in the UK can be delivered and administered. NATECLA’s Co- Chairs Irene Austin and Anne Mckeown said the Association was looking forward to working closely with NIACE and the Government on implementing the Report’s recommendations particularly those on the future long term funding of ESOL. “We are pleased that the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education Bill Rammell said there were no proposals to cut the overall ESOL budget.” At the same time the Association is concerned that changes to funding if not very carefully planned and administered, could unintentionally restrict the availability of ESOL. “We fear that some vulnerable groups could be unable to access learning, with dangerous consequences for social inclusion and community cohesion. Would-be citizens may find it hard to achieve the level of English language skills required for citizenship if provision is restricted.” Government response to NIACE report on ESOL http://www.niace.org.uk/news/current.htm#ESOLResponse To be directed to the NIACE website click 'more'

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