Monthly Update March 2025
Dear members ,
Welcome to our Monthly Update March 2025.
February was a busy month for NATECLA, and we’re thrilled to say that the Midlands Conference was a great success! A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed, and to NOCN and Brasshouse Languages for their support. We’re sharing some highlights and photos below.
March is shaping up to be just as eventful! We’re wrapping up our Winter Webinar Series with two fantastic sessions. There’s still time to book your ticket for next Friday’s , “Teaching ESOL online” with Olena Kolesnyk. Don’t miss out! The other session is “ESOL for Young Learners - Strategies for teaching 16-18 year olds”, on the 27th of March.
And that’s not all! and that’s not all! We’re proud to announce the full programme for the Annual Conference 2025 has been confirmed, including all workshops and presenters. Find more information about it on the dedicated Annual Conference 2025 website.
We wish everyone a fantastic month!
If you have any queries, get in touch with us by emailing info@natecla.org.uk or calling 07443 601 298.
All the best,
Laura and Irene
NATECLA National Centre
Monthly Update – sponsorship opportunity
Looking for new sponsorship opportunities? Why not add your branding to our Monthly Update - distributed to 2500 engaged NATECLA contacts every month.
If you choose to sponsor this publication, we can include a short article of your choice that will be of interest to NATELCA members. This could promote your latest resource, a webinar you are running or something else.
The costs to promote our Monthly Update are as follows:
For 3 consecutive months: £500
For 6 consecutive months: £850
To find out more about this opportunity, contact Laura Plotnek-Jones on laura@natecla.org.uk.
Save the date! - Annual Conference 2025
Book now for the Annual Conference 2025!
Following a sell-out event in 2024, we are proud to launch the full workshop and speaker programme for NATECLA’s Annual Conference 2025 ! Make sure you book your tickets before the Early Bird Discount expires on Saturday 31 May 2025.
Date: Friday 27th June - Saturday 28th June 2025.
Venue: Conference Aston, Aston University, Birmingham.
We’re excited to announce that the full workshop programme is now live!
Exhibitors and sponsors
Don’t miss the chance to showcase your brand at the NATECLA Annual Conference 2025! 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. Enjoy high-quality catering, comfortable overnight accommodation, and endless networking opportunities in a professional setting.
For more information contact Laura Plotnek-Jones, National Centre Manager on laura@natecla.org.uk .
NATECLA Webinars
Thank you to Ascentis for sponsoring this terms’ webinar programme.
Webinars cost £30 per person, with NATECLA members paying a reduced rate of £5.
Teaching ESOL Online
Title: Teaching ESOL online
Date: 14th March 2025
Time: 16:00- 17:15
Presenter: Olena Kolesnyk
You're invited to join this session to explore some digital tools, resources, and teaching techniques you need to design and deliver effective online ESOL lessons. Whether you're looking to adapt your face-to-face teaching skills to an online environment or enhance your current online teaching practices, this session is for you. We'll also discuss strategies to boost student interaction and engagement, using authentic materials and differentiated instruction to help students thrive in online learning. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your teaching!
ESOL for Young Learners - Strategies for teaching 16-18 year olds
Title: Webinar: ESOL for Young Learners - Strategies for teaching 16-18 year olds
Date: 27th March 2025
Time: 16:00- 17:15
Presenter: Jeni Prettyman
This session will explore the specific needs and challenges experienced by young ESOL learners, and how such issues can manifest in the classroom. We will explore practical strategies to engage and motivate students in this age group, with reference to the evolving development of a case study 16-18 ESOL programme.
Poster for your staff room
We have created this poster with all the key details about the NATECLA Annual Conference 2025.
You can share it and print it out if you want to promote it.
Thanks for your support!
Other NATECLA events
NATECLA Midlands Winter Conference 2025: A Resounding Success!
After a long-awaited return to in-person events, NATECLA Midlands was thrilled to host its first face-to-face Winter Conference since the pandemic. Sponsored by NOCN, "It’s ALL about the learner" brought together nearly 100 ESOL professionals for a day of insightful workshops, networking, and resource-sharing.
ESOL Managers' Network Forum March, April and May 2025
Join us at the next network meetings for ESOL managers working in FE, adult education and third sector settings across the UK.
Dates:
Thursday 13th March 2025.
Thursday 3rd April 2025- Joint session with Ascentis on ESOL Funding for tailored learning, with Beej Kaczmarczyk.
Thursday 22nd May 2025.
Time: 14:00- 15:30
Cost: FREE
More information about the event will be share shortly.
Resources and other CPD
NATECLA In-House Training
At NATECLA, we understand that high-quality, affordable, and practical in-house training for ESOL departments is hard to find. That is why 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.
ESOL Research Community- Participatory ESOL: Taking Stock
Name: Participatory ESOL: Taking Stock
Date: Thursday 24th April 2025
Time: 16:00- 17:30
Location: Online via Teams
In 2022-23, a group of 11 participatory practitioners in various parts of the country and from different sectors (FE, adult education, the charity sector) took part in a reflective research project to ‘take stock’ of where Participatory ESOL is currently at in England. Through written reflections, group discussions, classroom observations and classroom data sessions we took a close look at what our PE classrooms look like and we aired our doubts, difficulties and hopes about this growing ‘community of practice’. In this seminar we will discuss some of the research methods we used in this project and some of the most significant reflections which emerged
NATESOL Free Webinar- Enhancing Online Learner Engagement
Title: Enhancing Online Learner Engagement: Insights from a University Language Centre
Date: 20th March 2025
Time: 16:00- 17:00
How can we sustain psychological engagement in online English language learning? In this talk, Dr. Sal Consoli from the University of Edinburgh will share key insights from a research study conducted at a university language centre, exploring how digital tools, task design, and emotional appeal impact learner engagement. Findings and tips can be transferred to other settings
NATESOL Conference - Call for proposals
NATESOL is celebrating its 41st Annual Conference, themed “Learners and Learning”, and they are now accepting proposals!
Title: NATESOL Annual Conference, “Learners and Learning”
Date: 17th May 2025
They welcome presentations, workshops, and posters on a range of topics, including:
🔹 Motivation and autonomy in language learning
🔹 The role of technology in education
🔹 Sustainable and ecological approaches
🔹 Learners' needs, resilience, and peer support
The submission deadline is on 27th March 2025.
New Opportunities for ESOL Learners at UWS
The BA (Hons) English Language Programme at the University of the West of Scotland (Paisley Campus) has long supported ESOL learners in developing high-level English proficiency alongside critical and analytical skills.
From September 2025, the programme will now offer entry from Year 1 (Level 7), in addition to the existing Year 3 (Level 9) option. This expansion provides more opportunities for students from diverse educational backgrounds to join and thrive in the programme.
Online Information Session: Monday, 17th March
Applications for September 2025 are open—including post-January deadline applications.
ESOL in Adult Education Across Ireland & the UK
Title: ESOL in Adult Education Across Ireland & the UK
Date: 21st March
Time: 16:00- 18:00
Place: TCD Arts Building, College Green, Room 2043, Dublin
Speakers:
Dr. Melanie Cooke (King’s College London) – Researcher in adult ESOL, migrant language education, and participatory pedagogy.
Dr. Declan Flanagan (DCU) – Specialist in English language education in divided societies, intergroup relations, and education equity.
English for Action- Greenwich English Language Fair
Date: Tuesday, 25th March
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM
Place: Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
EFA proudly announces another English Language Fair, continuing our series of successful events that have already brought together over 400 attendees across London.
This is a unique opportunity for local migrant communities to connect with ESOL, adult education, and support providers – all in one place. Finding the right class or support can be challenging, and this fair makes it easier to ask questions, explore options, and find what works best for you.
Together Across Sectors for the Future of Language Education
Title: Together Across Sectors for the Future of Language Education
Date: 29th March 2025
Time: 11:00- 17:00
Place: King’s College, London
The Coalition for Language Education brings together diverse sectors to enhance the linguistic and expressive potential of people in the UK. The event aims to reflect on innovative language education projects across various levels, focusing on both challenges and successes, while exploring strategies to embed and sustain such innovations in the wider UK education system. A range of participants will share their initiatives, fostering conversations, connections, and collaborations.
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.
Some of the advantages of being a member of IATEFL include:
Keep up to date with all that's new in your profession interactionally.
Build your network of colleagues from around the world, sharing your ideas and your challenges.
Attend regular webinars on a wide range of topics.
Search their archive of recorded webinars, articles and publications
Get discounted prices on a range of publications and resources.
Benefit from member prices to attend the annual IATEFL International Conference and Exhibition.
Apply for a range of IATEFL scholarships only available to members.
How to join with the discounted price:
Write to info@natecla.org.uk to ask for the discount code.
Go to IATEFL website.
Introduce the code.
Complete the form.
IATEFL Edinburgh 2025
Bookings for the IATEFL 2025 Conference are now open! This years' conference and exhibition will take place in Edinburgh.
Date: Tuesday 8th April to Friday 11th April 2025, with Pre-Conference Events on Monday 7th April
Location: EICC in Edinburgh
IATEFL’s ESOL SIG Day
Don’t miss the 2025 IATEFL Pre-Conference Event on ESOL, hosted by the ESOL and Inclusive Practices & SEN Special Interest Groups.
Title: Negotiating Inclusivity: Strategies for Fostering Global Citizens,
Date: Monday 7th April.
Location: EICC in Edinburgh
The event will explore innovative strategies for creating inclusive ESOL/EFL classrooms that help students thrive in a globalized world.
Free IELTS for refugees
A new agreement signed by Cambridge and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) will enable refugees to take IELTS tests for free.
Resource of the month
Teachermatic is an AI-powered tool that helps teachers with lesson planning, resource creation, and administrative tasks. It streamlines the process of generating activities, worksheets, and lesson ideas, saving time while allowing for customization to fit different learning needs.
Rather than replacing a teacher’s creativity, it acts as a supportive tool, reducing workload and providing inspiration.
Teachermatic offers a free plan with limited access, as well as paid options for more features
Find them in the exhibition area of NATECLA Annual Conference 2025.
Share your story with NATECLA
We love hearing from our members! Whether it’s a success story, a useful teaching tip, an inspiring resource, or a special moment from your ESOL lessons or journey—we want to showcase it!
Your contribution could be featured in our social media posts to inspire and connect our community.
Here are some ideas of what you can share:
What you love about teaching ESOL
Why you joined NATECLA
A recent classroom success
Any challenges you’re facing
Classroom tips or activities that have worked well for you
ESOL Volunteer Working Group
Thank you to everyone who has already completed our short survey or expressed interest in joining NATECLA’s new Volunteer ESOL Working Group. If you haven’t had the chance yet, there’s still time to do it here!
The Volunteer ESOL Working Group want to be representative of the sector and you don't need to be a member of NATECLA to join the group. You can express your interest in joining through the survey or can contact Jenny at jennyroden88@gmail.com or Sharon at sharon.m.baker@outlook.com.
NATECLA set up and runs this forum and also provides a Resources for volunteer ESOL teachers page, which has recently been updated.
Other News
ESOL Beacon Award winner announced
NATECLA is delighted to have played a key role in judging this year’s Bell Foundation Award for Excellence in ESOL, part of the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards recognizing excellence in Further Education.
Congratulations to Bradford College, this year’s winner! 🌟🎉
We also celebrate the two finalists:
New College Durham
Nottingham College
Find out more about the scheme and the work these colleges have undertaken at NATECLA’s forthcoming Annual Conference this June 2025.
Adult Skills Fund Cuts: A Step in the Wrong Direction
Commenting on the proposed cuts to the Adult Skills Fund for next year, NATECLA’s co-chair, Paul Sceeny, has written a very strongly worded but entirely necessary comment piece for FE News.
He expresses concern over the UK Government’s plan to cut the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) by 3% in 2025-26, particularly affecting ESOL provision. With rising demand for language learning, these cuts risk undermining social integration and employability efforts. NATECLA highlights that reducing funding for adult education is counterproductive and goes against the goal of driving national growth.
Targeted retention incentive payments for FE teachers
Eligible further education (FE) teachers can apply for the first round of targeted retention incentive payments until 31st March 2025. This doesn't apply to ESOL teacher but digital and ICT teachers and Maths teachers, as well as those delivering programs in other subject areas are eligible to apply. Grants are between £2000 and £6000 and the deadline for application is the end of March 2025.
Spring into Action 2025 with Ruth Hayman Trust
The Ruth Hayman Trust are calling on supporters to take on a challenge and help raise vital funds for the Trust. In partnership with Run for Charity, you can sign up for a variety of events in the UK and overseas, from short runs and obstacle courses to marathons and bike events.
Challenge Options:
London 10km at QE Olympic Park on 23rd February
Virtual Easter Run (or walk) 5km between 21st and 31st March (bunny ears encouraged!)
Birmingham Running Festival 5km or 10km on 11th May
Royal Parks Half Marathon on 12th October (5 places available!)