Education and training services

Tender description

ESOL in Kirklees is a response to the ‘ESOL for Integration Fund': funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Kirklees has experienced a significant increase in migration over the past 5-10 years. In 2017 there were 2 103 new arrivals from 53 different countries to Kirklees. Over half of these new arrivals were from the European Union and the majority were of working age. With such an increase we need to maintain and build on the positivity migration brings so those arriving feel a sense of identify and belonging within the area they have moved in to. Kirklees has a strong track record of supporting all communities and individuals to be more resilient and this provision aims to continue to develop this further and in new ways in a direct response addressing migrant’s English skills. This call is intending to deliver qualified tutor led English classes in local communities to support resident developing their English skills and integration in Kirklees. Supporting individuals to speak even basic conversational English as soon as possible on entry to Kirklees is fundamental in ensuring successful integration and ensuring the best use of resources. Translation services are expensive and extend the amount of time services need to support an individual therefore in the longer term, as learners’ progress, developing ESOL skills will reduce pressure on other services. The project must have a meaningful and lasting impact on their learners, their areas, and on the future provision of entry level, community-based English language training. Taught classes must be delivered by a level 5 qualified ESOL tutor and where appropriate supported by classroom assistants/volunteers. The successful delivery partners must engage with suitably qualified tutors and volunteers for the delivery of the project. Successful delivery partners are expected to use volunteers to support delivery of learning. Delivery partners can utilise existing known volunteers and this programme will also be training volunteers separately in addition to this funding. The Council will be commissioning volunteer training activity in due course and delivery partners are expected to establish arrangements with the appointed partner. Where delivery partners are using existing volunteers, delivery partners should ensure they have had received safeguarding and prevent training. Volunteers must be also DBS checked. The emphasis of provision will be on building language skills (speaking, listening and reading and writing), knowledge and confidence to engage in the local community. Each session should provide the following as a minimum: • safe and welcoming environment for the learners; • facilitated practice of conversational English which is linked to the Kirklees community; • resources which reflect the community learners will experience their personal learning in; • support to access local services online and utilise digital skills; • encouragement to continue learning in to other ESOL provision and other activity; • support to access local services; • understanding of British values. The programme of delivery should be interactive and engaging to support engagement and retention. It will be made up of two distinct type of courses. 1) 60 GLH English Courses Courses should have a scheme of work/lesson plan curriculum developed with a focus on developing speaking, listening, reading and writing English. It is envisaged that these will be for a minimum of 60 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). Due to the ongoing Covid pandemic programmes will be expected to be designed to best meet the learner needs, whilst maintaining safety and high quality learning. 2) 12 GLH English Courses (School and family provision) Courses should have a scheme of work/lesson plan curriculum developed with a focus on developing speaking, listening, reading and writing English. It is expected that these will be delivered in school venues where possible and will help parents in understanding the UK school system, and supporting their child in education. It is envisaged that these will be for a minimum of 12 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). Due to the ongoing Covid pandemic programmes will be expected to be designed to best meet the learner needs, whilst maintaining safety and high quality learning opportunities. Course curriculum could be focused on the current Covid pandemic and could include: Helping your children in Covid access school and learning. Staying Covid safe and keeping your family safe; Accessing Services and Covid; Getting online in Covid.