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<p>The government recognises that learning English is essential in enabling refugee
women to rebuild their lives. We are working across government to develop a new strategy
for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) in 2019, which will include addressing
the needs of refugees.</p><p>The department funds ESOL through the Adult Education
Budget, 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 Adult Education
Budget 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>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><p>All 3 and 4 year olds in England are entitled to 570 hours a year
of funded early education over no fewer than 38 weeks of the year (which equates to
15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year) irrespective of the immigration status of
the child or their parent(s).</p><p>Local authorities have a duty to provide information,
advice and assistance for parents and prospective parents on the provision of childcare
in their area. Parents can contact their local Family Information Service for details
of local childcare and early years provision in their area.</p><p>For those who come
to the UK under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, additional funds are made
available for childcare to ensure this is not a barrier for mothers and carers to
learn English.</p>
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