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<p>The government recognises that learning English is essential in enabling refugees
to rebuild their lives. We are working across government to develop a new strategy
for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) in 2019. The strategy will provide
a shared vision for all publicly funded English language provision and it will include
addressing the needs of refugees. We will explore what needs to be done to enable
good local solutions and to support greater access to English language provision.
We will consider the ‘Turning Words into Action’ report, attached, as we develop the
strategy.</p><p>The department funds ESOL through the Adult Education Budget (AEB),
which is allocated to providers on an annual basis. Colleges and adult learning providers
have the freedom and flexibility to determine how they use their AEB allocation to
meet the needs of their communities. This includes planning, with local partners,
the ESOL courses that they will deliver locally. The Home Office and the Department
for Education have provided £10 million to enable refugees resettled through the Vulnerable
Persons Resettlement Scheme to access additional classes.</p><p>From the start of
the 2019/20 academic year approximately 50% of the AEB will be devolved to 6 Mayoral
Combined Authorities (MCAs) and to the Mayor of London through the Greater London
Authority (GLA). The MCAs and GLA will be responsible for commissioning and funding
AEB provision, including ESOL, for learners resident in their areas.</p><p>We know
that there are many examples of good practice to overcome barriers for learners with
childcare needs. Through the ESOL strategy, we will explore what else needs to be
done to enable good local solutions and to support greater access to English language
provision.</p>
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