'Focusing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) on Community Cohesion'

NATECLA has responded to the consultation. Focusing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) on Community Cohesion Public funding for English language teaching should be targeted where it will have the biggest impact on community cohesion and integration, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham announced." Local communities are best placed to understand what will best promote community cohesion and integration in their area. In this consultation we are asking local authorities and other groups how they would prioritise ESOL funding to achieve these aims." The consultation seeks to take these reforms further and is seeking views on: * a new national approach to funding ESOL to help prioritise funding and ensure local areas develop plans which identify the needs of vulnerable people, such as legal residents who might be expected to stay in the country for the foreseeable future, excluded women, particularly those with young children, and refugees who have established their right to remain in the UK; * suggested new national priorities for ESOL while local areas take responsibility to target funding to best meet the needs of their communities; * the role of the voluntary and community sector in the provision of ESOL; and * what incentives should be provided to employers to encourage them to contribute to their employees' ESOL needs. Consultation end date 4 April 2008 End To view full press release http://www.dius.gov.uk/press/04-01-08.html Press release 4 January 2008 Irene Austin & Anne McKeown, NATECLA CoChairs The National Association for Teaching English and Community Languages to Adults (NATECLA) is pleased to see that the government recognises the importance of English language skills in achieving social cohesion and integration and is conducting this consultation. As always our main concern is that vulnerable learners have access to provision that is free and easily accessible and we welcome the opportunity to respond to this consultation. 'Focusing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) on Community Cohesion'. Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) Consultation January 2008 Link to the Home Office changes on Immigration. http://www.natecla.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=266