Monthly Update April 2026
Dear members,
Welcome to our April 2026 Update.
As we move closer to the summer, preparations for the Annual Conference are in full swing, and there’s still time to take advantage of our Early Bird tickets, available until 31st May.
We’re also pleased to share that applications for our Teachmeet are open: a great opportunity to share ideas and connect with colleagues in an informal and supportive space.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be launching our conference app, designed to help you make the most of your experience, from exploring the programme to planning your schedule and connecting with other attendees.
As always, you’ll find more details below, along with upcoming events and the latest news from across the ESOL sector.
If you have any queries, please get in touch with us by emailing info@natecla.org.uk or calling 07443 601 298.
All the best,
Laura, Doeon and Irene
NATECLA National Centre
Book now! - Annual Conference 2026
Check the Annual Conference site and book your early bird tickets here.
After a sold-out event last year, the conference will take place on 26–27 June 2026 at Conference Aston, Birmingham, and we’re very pleased to confirm NOCN as our main sponsor.
Workshops
Choose from over 40 workshops, including:
From Language to Livelihoods: Embedding Employability in ESOL
Boosting Confidence in our Students in Dealing with Difficult Situations: Countering Racism and Discrimination in Society
Sketchnoting Sparkle: Super-Charging Notes, Whiteboards and More with Simple Doodles
Beyond the ‘Success Story’: How Language Shapes Refugee Experiences in Education
Feedback That Listens: Shaping Learning Through Noticing
The ND Exam Experience – Before, During and After. Improving Study Skills to Help Navigate Exams
Where Connection Begins: Building Rapport Through EDIB in ESOL Classrooms
Crafting a Standout Beacon Award for Excellence in ESOL Submission
A Phonics-Led Approach to Literacies Teaching
Low-Prep, High-Impact: Ideas for a Creative Teacher's Toolkit
Exhibitors and sponsors
Don’t miss the chance to showcase your brand at the NATECLA Annual Conference 2026! Our thriving exhibition area offers the perfect opportunity to connect with ESOL and ELT professionals from across the UK and Ireland.
Whether you’re interested in sponsoring the event or having a stall, we have packages to suit your needs.
Bursaries
A limited number of part bursaries are available to support colleagues to access this valuable CPD opportunity.
⚠️ Deadline: Friday 8th May 2026.
🌟 Be a Bursary Sponsor for NATECLA 2026
Teachmeet
Thanks to City & Guilds for sponsoring this year's Teachmeet.
If you would like to share your most tried and tested activities, approaches or resources for use in the ESOL classroom, take part in this Year's Teachmeet: the perfect CPD opportunity for those who don't feel ready to deliver a workshop.
Other events from NATECLA
NATECLA Scotland Forum- The AI Skill Shift: Mastering Critical Thinking, Data Literacy and Ethical Integration
Title: NATECLA Scotland Forum- The AI Skill Shift: Mastering Critical Thinking, Data Literacy and Ethical Integration
Date: Thursday 30 April 2026
Time: 19:00- 20:30
Presenter: Alexandra Covici
This session will explore the essential skills required to thrive in an AI-powered world.
NATECLA Scotland Forum- Communication Skills
Title: NATECLA Scotland Forum - Communication Skills
Date: Thursday 11 June 2026
Time: 19:00- 20:30
Presenter: Clare Cameron
This workshop covers individual communication styles and behaviours, active listening, body language, and dealing with challenging people and situations.
NATECLA Yorkshire and Humber: ESOL practitioners' networking brunch
Title: NATECLA Yorkshire and Humber: ESOL practitioners' networking brunch
Date: Saturday 9th May 2026
Time: 10:45 - 12:45
Venue: Pasco’s Italian, King William House, Market Place, Hull City Centre, HU1 1RS
Join NATECLA Yorkshire and Humber in this networking brunch.
Natecla ESOL Managers’ Forum
Title: Natecla ESOL Managers’ Forum
Date: Thursday, 14 May 2026
Time: 14:00- 15:30
Join us for the next network meeting for ESOL managers working in Further Education(FE), adult education and third sector settings across the UK.
NATECLA North West Forum: AI in ESOL : getting the balance right:
Title: NATECLA NATECLA North West Online Forum: AI in ESOL : getting the balance right
Date: 14 May 2026
Time: 16:00- 17:00
Join our free online NATECLA North West Forum for ESOL practitioners - a relaxed, supportive space to connect with others, share ideas, and build a stronger regional voice together.
Jobs and volunteer opportunities
NATECLA Annual Conference Support
Event: NATECLA Annual Conference
Location: Birmingham
Dates: Friday 26 June and Saturday 27 June
Rate: £15 per hour (self-employed – invoiced hours)
NATECLA is seeking one or two experienced and reliable individuals to provide practical support at its Annual Conference in Birmingham.
NATECLA: Volunteer Health & Safety Lead
Title: Volunteer Health & Safety Lead
Job Type: Volunteer
Hours: Flexible
Rate: Voluntary (unpaid)
Location: Remote
Closing date: Friday 15 May 2026
Description: NATECLA is looking for a volunteer to take on the role of Health & Safety Lead.
Join NATECLA’s EDI Working Group
The NATECLA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group is looking for new members. We meet - briefly, online about once a term. After publishing the member survey last year, we plan to curate resources to support and embed inclusion and could do with some help.
We’d love to hear from you! You can send a message on LinkedIn, or email naema.hann@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you.
Other events and resources
The Bell Foundation Conference 2026
Title: The Bell Foundation Conference 2026
Date: Tuesday 23 June 2026
Place: University of Birimgham
The Bell Foundation’s first-ever conference will be focused on amplifying the voices and needs of EAL and ESOL learners across the education system.
Connect, Share and Collaborate on NATECLA’s Member Discussion Forums
Did you know that as a NATECLA member, you have access to a growing suite of online discussion forums designed to help you connect, share ideas and collaborate with colleagues across the ESOL and community languages sector?
Our forums cover a wide range of topics including:
ESOL teaching and training – for teachers, trainees and teacher trainers to share experiences and best practice.
Digital specialists in ESOL – to explore tools and technology in language learning.
Equality & Diversity Working Group – for members committed to inclusive practice.
Events and Management Council forums – to support planning and leadership discussions.
Volunteers in ESOL, Community language teachers, and Teaching young learners (14–19) – for sharing practical ideas and advice.
Whether you want to ask for teaching tips, discuss research, or stay connected with NATECLA initiatives, the forums offer a supportive and professional space for conversation.
👉 Access the forums now via the Members’ Platform — open to all personal members and staff from institutional member organisations.
Join the conversation and be part of the collective voice shaping the future of ESOL and community languages teaching.
NATECLA In-House Training: Book now for your CPD day
At NATECLA, we offer a training service, connecting highly rated teacher trainers with further education colleges, adult and community education services, and private training providers, including those in EFL.
Our goal is to help teachers and managers to develop practical teaching skills. Our expert trainers offer a variety of 90-minute, half-day, or full-day sessions, all tailored to your department’s needs. Some of our sessions include:
Trauma-informed ESOL
Online ESOL Teaching
Creating Active ESOL Learning Programmes
Best practice in developing, sharing and using ESOL resources
ESOL and Neurodiversity
Embedding ESOL in mainstream courses
Basic literacy for ESOL learners
Teaching pronunciation
Differentiation: stretching and supporting learners without over-stretching teachers
Giving effective feedback
Happiness and wellbeing in the ESOL classroom.
IATEFL discount for NATECLA members
NATECLA is an associate member of IATEFL, so all our individual members can benefit from discounted IATEFL membership
IATEFL Individual membership: £74 per year.
IATEFL Associate Individual Membership: £27 per year.
Resource of the Month
A great go-to for teaching pronunciation. BBC Learning English pronunciation offers short, clear videos (like Tim’s Pronunciation Workshop) that explain connected speech and individual sounds in an accessible way.
Easy to dip into for classroom use or to share with learners for extra practice.