Monthly Update April 2025
Dear members ,
Welcome to our Monthly Update April 2025.
As we wrap up the winter term, we’re delighted to share that our recent webinar series has come to a close and it’s been a success! A huge thank you to all our speakers and attendees for making each session so engaging and insightful.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about our Annual Conference 2025. A big thank you to Ascentis for being this year’s main sponsor and to our other sponsors: City and Guilds, English Speaking Board, National Geographic Learning and Trinity College London.
We’d like to remind you that early bird tickets are available until 31st May, don’t miss out on the chance to secure your spot at a reduced rate. Bursary applications are also now open, so if you need support to attend, we encourage you to apply. Further details are provided below.
We want to wish you all a restful and happy Easter break!
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.
Book now! - Annual Conference 2025
Book now for the Annual Conference 2025!
Following a sell-out event in 2024, we are excited to have launched 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.
Workshops
Choose from over 40 workshops, including:
Beyond AI Detection: Creating and Using AI Tools in ESOL Assessment
Supporting Low-Literate Pre-Entry Students
Bridging the Digital Gap Together - Click By Click!
Using Students’ Other Languages for More Autonomy
Using AI Platforms to Enhance Student Engagement and Teacher Creativity
The Resilient Classroom: We Build Our Students, Our Students Build Us
Teaching English to Learners with Dyslexia
Differentiating and Responding to Learner Needs at Pre-Entry Level
Embedding ESOL in Vocational Programmes
Teaching Mixed Ability Groups for ESOL in the Community
Participatory Photography and Creative Writing in the ESOL Classroom
Teaching Writing in the ESOL Classroom
Nurturing Safe Spaces: Self-Care Strategies for Trauma-Aware Teaching
Plenary events
We are delighted to bring delegates to our 2025 Annual Conference two contrasting plenary events:
ESOL everywhere and nowhere: changing perceptions of English language acquisition and the importance of practitioner voice.
Panel-led Q&A on ESOL in devolved authorities
Panel members:
Alex Stevenson - Learning and Work Insitute
Philida Schelleckens - The Bell Foundation
Miguel Silva - West Midlands Combined Authority
Mary Osmaston - The panel convener and NATECLA trustee
Date: Friday 27th June
Time: 13:15 - 14:15
Thanks to National Geographic Learning for sponsoring Saturday’s keynote speaker.
Emily Bryson
Plenary session
From ESOL classroom to the world: Inspiring Voices that make an Impact
Date: Saturday 28th June
Time: 9:00- 10:00
Busaries
Thanks to City and Guilds for sponsoring this year's bursaries.
Applications deadline: Friday 9th May 2025.
If you would like to take part in a fabulous CPD opportunity by attending this year's National Conference, but don't have the funds to pay the full amount for your ticket, a limited number of part bursaries are available. But be quick as the deadline ends this Friday!
Awarded bursaries will normally cover approximately 50% of the cost towards your ticket.
Teachmeet
Thanks to Trinity College London 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.
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 .
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 and Activity
ESOL IDEAS SWAP - for People Working in the Voluntary Sector
Name: ESOL IDEAS SWAP - for People Working in the Voluntary Sector
Date: Friday 25th April 2025
Time: 14:45 - 16:15
Location: Online via Zoom
This event is organised by the Voluntary ESOL Working Group, which is supported by NATECLA. Come along to an ideas exchange for supporting people learning English. Share your tips, activities or resources that worked well, in an informal 3-minute presentation. If you don’t fancy presenting don’t worry; you may feel inspired to join in the follow up discussion.
If you’d like to know more about presenting, contact jennyroden88@gmail.com.
ESOL Managers' Network Forum May 2025
Join us at the next network meeting for ESOL managers working in FE, adult education and third sector settings across the UK.
Date: Thursday 22nd May 2025.
Time: 14:00- 15:30
Cost: FREE
More information about the event will be share shortly.
NATECLA South West Update
We’re delighted to share news from our South West branch, which is now active. On behalf of Liz Teixeira and Lorna Rossi, we’re pleased to share their latest newsletter.
Voluntary ESOL Forum
Here at last! A forum for the voluntary ESOL sector in the UK!
We are writing to invite you to join this much-needed and long-awaited discussion forum for the voluntary ESOL sector, hosted by jiscmail, moderated by NATECLA.
To subscribe please email the owners at: VOLUNTEERSINESOLFORUM-REQUEST@JISCMAIL.AC.UK and request to be added to the mailing list.
We very much welcome volunteers as well as coordinators to join the group.
Other events from accross the sector
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 took part in a reflective research project to ‘take stock’ of where Participatory ESOL is currently at in England’. This seminar will explore some of the research methods that were used in this project and some of the most significant reflections which emerged.
English for Action- #LoveESOL Forum Theatre
Name: #LoveESOL Forum Theatre
Date: Thursday 26th April 2025
Time: 10:00- 13:00
Location: Waterloo Action Centre, 14 Baylis Road, London SE1 7AA
As part of the #LoveESOL campaign, EFA London would like to invite you to a theatre performance by ESOL students demonstrating some of the barriers with access to ESOL followed by a public dialogue/interventions in response to the performance, with the aim to address the problems.
NATESOL Free Webinar- Teaching English in a Multilingual World: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges
Title: Teaching English in a Multilingual World: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges
Date: 30th April 2025
Time: 16:00- 17:00
This talk will explore the relationship between English language teaching and multilingual contexts, highlighting both opportunities and challenges for teachers and researchers.
NATESOL Annual Conference 2025
Title: NATESOL 41st Annual Conference 2025
Date: 17th May 2025
Time: 9:30 - 15:00
Place: Manchester Metropolitan University / online via Zoom.
For their 41st annual conference, NATESOL have invited speakers who have explored innovative and practical approaches to learner development, sharing ideas that can benefit teachers worldwide.
West Yorkshire ESOL ITE Network
Title: West Yorkshire ESOL ITE network
Date: 1st May 2025
Time: 12:00- 13:00
Place: Online, via Teams
West Yorkshire ESOL Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Collaborative Group is a regional network committed to enhancing the quality, resources, and professionalism within ESOL ITE across West Yorkshire.
If you’re interested in being part of this innovative group, please contact Emma Taylor on Emma.Taylor@migrationyorkshire.org.uk by 29th April to receive the meeting link.
ESOL classrooms in a rapidly changing political landscape
Title: ESOL classrooms in a rapidly changing political landscape
Date: 10th May 2025
Time: 10.00-13.00
Place: King’s College London, Waterloo campus
The Hub for Education and Language Diversity (HELD) invite you to a workshop in the Sociolinguistics and Language Teaching series. ESOL classrooms have operated on the frontline of migration politics for a long time, variously seen as sites of assimilation or spaces for the development of agency and voice.
In this workshop, we will explore participants’ perceptions of this situation, reflect on the strategies and responses emerging, consider what illumination sociolinguistics can offer, and ask ‘what next?’.
To reserve a place please email Mel Cooke at melanie.cooke@kcl.ac.uk
Resources
NATECLA In-House Training: Book now for your summer CPD day
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.
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.
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
If you're looking for free listening materials for your learners the English Listening Lesson Library Online is worth a look. It’s been around for years and now offers over 3,000 audio and video lessons from speakers around the world, all for free.
Lessons cover a wide range of topics, levels (from A1 to C1), and accents, and most come with transcripts, quizzes, vocabulary support, and downloadable worksheets. There are also grammar lessons included, making it a flexible option whether you’re working with beginners or more advanced learners.
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
Other News
Multilingual Memories: Birmingham 1984
As part of the CIALL-supported Island Voices Extensions initiative, this new documentary revisits the multilingual work of Birmingham’s Industrial Language Training (ILT) Service in the 1980s.
Drawing on the Island Voices model – with appropriate adaptations – they created a suite of short multilingual films reflecting on the ILT Service’s work, its impact, and what it led to for those involved at the time. Available in 12 community languages, it captures reflections on ESOL, community language support, and anti-racism work.
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:
Birmingham Running Festival 5km or 10km on 11th May
Royal Parks Half Marathon on 12th October (5 places available!)
Jobs
Ascentis- External Quality Assurer
Ascentis are looking for enthusiastic dedicated professionals to join their External Quality Assurance (EQA) team. Working as an EQA, you will play a key role in the quality assurance of Ascentis’ qualifications being delivered in their Centres.
Candidates must be situated for verification work and visits to centres in London/the South East.
Deadline: 30th May 2025.