A Common Language
ESOL Provision in the UK
This project, running in parallel to wider Demos work on adult learning, will begin with first principles – why ESOL matters – and work through to a logical conclusion of how best it can be delivered in practice, within a coherent policy framework.
- The Language of Integration Speaking English is "fundamental to integration and cohesion". That was the conclusion of an independent report last year - and the rationale behind the latest government consultation on English for speakers of other languages. With the consultation now closed, the question is how to make Esol work for everyone. As the government recognises, the risk is that the most vulnerable miss out on the chance to learn English, to their detriment and that of the community. The well-off may be able to afford their own courses; the well-informed may be aware of their options; and the well-integrated will learn outside the classroom - but what about the rest? In a new Demos report, commissioned by the Association of Colleges London, we propose some changes to help meet this challenge. 1st May 2008 | Education Guardian
- 'Tax credits: the success and failure' by William Davies | Prospect Magazine June 20 Good history of tax credits. Will Davies makes a couple of important points: (1) 'benefits are paid to households, while income tax (in Britain) is paid by individuals' and (2) on the effects of the changes to the tax credit system in 2003 17th September 2007
- 'Something for everyone' by Donald Hirsch | Prospect Magazine August 2007 issue 137 '"Progressive universalism," means "something for everyone, but more for the poor." This is being applied across the lifespan. Benefits and tax credits for children have both universal and targeted elements; the income thresholds for the child tax credit are very similar to the proposed student grant.' 4th September 2007
- Employers should bear cost of immigration Writes: 'Immigration creates winners and losers...Any sensible policy, whether it is to control pollution, traffic or immigration, must make those who create costs for society bear those costs. In the case of immigration, employers - what the Home Office identifies as "those who benefit from immigration" - should be required to reimburse society for the costs their decisions impose on it.' Concludes with plan for 'market-based' system where employers pay for work permits. 15th August 2007
- Culture Clash or Culture Club? The Identity and Attitudes of Immigrants in Britain (pdf) Really good paper from the Centre for Economic Performence. Looks at attitudes of different ethnic groups settling in Britain over time. 7th August 2007
- 2004 based national population projections (pdf) Population predictions from the government's actuary dept. 31st July 2007
- NIACE ESOL final report NIACE inquiry into ESOL. 27th July 2007
- Raising our game - LSC Annual statement of priorities by the LSC. Sets out new funding arrangements and rationale. 27th July 2007
- Bill Rammell in the TES 'more than £3 billion through our adult Skills for Life Strategy since 2001 to support learners, including courses for 1.9 million Esol students. But demand for courses has tripled and continually increasing funding is unsustainable. In some parts of the country, there are waiting lists of 18 months to two years and this affects many of those in greatest need.'