Monthly Update May 2026
Dear members,
Welcome to our May Monthly Update.
There is still time to take advantage of our Early Bird ticketsfor NATECLA Annual Conference 2026, available until 31st May. We are also pleased to remind you that livestream tickets are now on sale from just £15, giving online access to three key conference sessions across Friday and Saturday.
Overnight accommodation at Conference Aston Hotel is now fully booked, and Friday and Saturday day tickets are in short supply.
We are excited to introduce the new NATECLA26 Conference App, designed to help delegates make the most of their conference experience. Find out more below.
Looking ahead, preparations are already underway for NATECLA Scotland Conference 2026, taking place this November. The call for workshops is now open, and we would love to hear from anyone interested in presenting.
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
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,
Thank you to NOCN, our main sponsor this year.
NATECLA26 Conference App
Thanks to Trinity College London for sponsoring the Conference App.
We’re proud to present the NATECLA Annual Conference 2026 App, designed to help delegates make the most of their conference experience.
The app provides easy access to the conference programme, session information, speaker details, notifications and updates, and a photo wall- all in one place. Find out more below.
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.
There are only 2 exhibition stands remaining, secure yours before they’re gone!
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- 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 Scotland Conference 2026
Title: NATECLA Scotland Annual Conference
Date: Saturday 7th November 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Location: Edinburgh College, Granton Campus
Cost: £35 members / £70 non members
NATECLA Scotland are delighted to invite you to the 2026 Annual Conference.
The programme will include:
Opening Plenary
Parallel workshops led by experienced practitioners
Closing Plenary and raffle
Designated exhibitor space with opportunities to meet and talk with a range of organisations
Call for Workshops – Now Open!
f you would like to share your practice, research, resources or ideas with colleagues from across the ESOL sector, .bmission deadline: Sunday 5th July 20
News
Employment Rights Act 2025: Key points for ESOL practitioners
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces a range of changes that may affect ESOL tutors, particularly those working on sessional or zero-hours contracts. These include potential rights to guaranteed hours, improved notice of timetable changes and cancellations, compensation for short-notice cancellations, and expanded day-one employment rights.
Most changes are expected to come into effect during 2026–2027, with further guidance still being developed. We encourage members to read the full article for an overview of the key changes.
Jobs and volunteer opportunities
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
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.