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.
"esol"
13 items tagged with this theme in this project. Find more on this theme : » show items from across the site
- Comment is free: Mind the language Writes: 'Under the new arrangements, only those claiming income-related benefits can still access ESOL. Yet very few people with English language needs claim tax credits. Indeed, only 3% of workers from European Union Accession Countries who have signed up to the Worker Registration Scheme receive tax credits, even though four out of five earn less than £6 an hour and are therefore likely to be eligible. This is a classic Catch 22. Many of the most vulnerable will simply fall through the net.' from : duncanoleary 17th July 2007
- Comment is free: It doesn't make sense in any language Writes: 'if the provision to learn English isn't widely available and affordable, then paying for lessons, will inevitably be lower down the list of priorities than covering food and housing costs.' from : duncanoleary 17th July 2007
- The unkindest cut | TEFL | EducationGuardian.co.uk Writes: 'The government claims free Esol will still be available for people receiving means-tested or income-related benefits. In reality, very few people with Esol needs access these benefits, even if they are eligible. For example, only 3% of workers from EU accession states receive tax credits, although around 80% are earning between £4.50 and £5.99 an hour' 'government won't even accept proof through payslips...Instead a 20-page form must be completed - in English!' from : duncanoleary 17th July 2007
- Report of The Commission on Integration and Cohesion (pdf) Describes language as 'fundamental to integration and cohesion – for settled communities, new communities, and future generations of immigrants.' from : duncanoleary 17th July 2007
- Report calls on employers to meet cost of migrant English lessons | Special reports | Guardian Unlim The commission said ""Given the key role immigration now plays in the success of the UK economy, and the importance of interaction in reducing concerns about immigrants, we believe that Esol funding needs to be reconsidered; and that more innovative ways of providing Esol need to be looked at." from : duncanoleary 17th July 2007
- False claims make me snap, crackle and pop | Further | EducationGuardian.co.uk Bill Rammell writes: 'A massive increase in demand for free Esol tuition is having an adverse impact on the overall skills budget, yet those in greatest need are the least likely to access the service.' 'with almost 80% of asylum claims now being settled in eight weeks, and well over half of these unsuccessful, is it really right that taxpayers' money should support the learning of English for people whom we expect to leave the country?' from : duncanoleary 17th July 2007
- House of Commons Hansard Debates for 14 Mar 2007 (pt 0023) Bill Rammell: 'Since 2001, we have tripled funding of ESOL services, spending more than £1 billion. It is crucial to make it clear that the intention behind our changes is not to cut funding. We do, however, face a significant problem: demand is outstripping supply. In the past six years, ESOL student enrolments have risen from 158,000 to 538,000. Even with the growth in provision that we have delivered, the current situation is simply not sustainable.' from : duncanoleary 17th July 2007
- Opinions: 'Defending Hodge' by Julian Baggini | Prospect Magazine June 2007 issue 135 Julian Baggini looks at the 'priority principle' - whether services should be prioritised according to need or prior membership and contribution to a community from : duncanoleary 23rd July 2007
- 'Reply to Baggini' by Halima Begum | Prospect Magazine June 2007 issue 135 Halima Begum disputes the case for the priority principle: 'Does length of residence entitle you to a more durable stake in British society? Yes, it does, to a point but any well-meaning liberal country must also include some measures to support vulnerable groups and offer social protection to bring all its citizens to a level playing field.' from : duncanoleary 26th July 2007
- 'Language games' by Bernard Crick | Prospect Magazine July 2006 issue 124 Whatever one means by Britishness, citizenship and integration, the language and some knowledge of the country are surely crucial. "The New and the Old" stressed the importance of language not just for work but to carry a culture. We saw Britishness, even before the Windrush, as an overarching political-legal culture...but a state that already had within it a diversity of national cultures and religious identities.' from : duncanoleary 26th July 2007
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