Calling all colleagues in England 📢
Ask your MP to write to Angela Raynor
There are discussions currently in Government about ESOL and also about education in devolved authorities, which makes it a perfect time to write to our own MPs to influence their thinking and from there influence the Government. A White Paper is coming out in December so it's important that we write now.
We have been advised that asking our own MPs to write to Angela Rayner is probably the best way to do this, as MHCLG is leading on the English language review, and because of MHCLG's role in the devolution agenda, which is a key area for the Prime Minister.
The Bell Foundation policy officer has sent the suggested letter template below, but it is important that we all customise it, as near-identical letters are easily spotted! You might also get your students to write letters about the importance of ESOL.
Key points to focus on, with examples from your own teaching experience:
The importance of ESOL for integration, skills, jobs, etc
The demand for ESOL
The need for a national entitlement to ESOL and risk of 'postcode lottery'.
Ask your MP to write to Angela Rayner about this.
You must include your postal address to show that you are a constituent, or that your organisation is in the constituency if writing on behalf of your org. Find your MP's email at Find your MP
Many thanks for participating in this important campaign. Please report back to us at info@natecla.org.uk about the response you get.
NATECLA
Suggested letter to adapt:
Dear [MP's name]
I am your constituent and work at […...] as an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher. I wanted to write to you today about the Government’s current review of ESOL provision.
This review offers an opportunity to address the uneven nature of ESOL provision in England and to ensure that more people can access English language learning that supports their access to jobs and integration into our communities.
Over 1 million people report not speaking English well or at all and one third of them are British citizens. Others may be seeking sanctuary or contributing skills to the UK labour market. According to the 2021 Census, adults who have higher proficiency in English are twice as likely to be employed as those who cannot speak English well or at all.
As well as the review, devolution also offers an opportunity to improve ESOL provision in a way that is closer to the people and communities accessing it. But it carries risks of reinforcing the current postcode lottery, and that certain groups and communities, including refugees, will be excluded from provision, as Greater Lincolnshire’s decision to defund all ESOL provision from 2027 shows. [ Space for your own thoughts and experiences on the ESOL postcode lottery/challenges ESOL provision faces]
I have seen in my own work how important ESOL can be for enabling access to jobs, giving people the opportunity to participate in their communities, and build fulfilling lives as UK citizens. Therefore, as the ESOL review and plans for devolution continue, I hope the Government will define a national framework that asserts the importance of ensuring that there is a national entitlement to ESOL, that ensures people are not excluded, and that English language support is available to meet their needs.
I am interested to hear your views on the ESOL review and how this Government can best support those who do not speak English as a first language through ESOL provision. Given the important opportunity the review represents, I also want to request that you write to Angela Rayner MP as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, urging her to ensure that the ESOL review defines a national framework for ESOL provision that safeguards access for all who need it.
Please do keep me informed of any progress made or responses you receive.
Yours sincerely,
[Name......]
[Address and postcode]