Kirklees Council wins Government funding for new English language learning programme

Building on the success of award winning projects such as Talk English in Kirklees, this new programme will deliver a series of courses, led by professional tutors, in familiar and accessible community locations..

The funding will also support more informal group activities to help bring English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners together outside the classroom. All classes will be delivered in line with the latest public health advice around COVID-19.

Councillor Carole Pattison, Cabinet Member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said, “It is a huge credit to the team that Kirklees has been awarded funding from the Government’s ESOL for Integration Fund to help us continue to deliver and develop our vital programme of English language learning opportunities for residents.

“This new programme of professionally led English language classes will help residents for whom English is not their first language to build confidence in their communication skills and in turn help them to build stronger connections within their local communities and improve their work and social opportunities.”

The new programme will be available to adults in Kirklees who have little or limited skills in English speaking, listening, reading and writing, alongside the existing volunteer-led opportunities available through Talk English.

The courses will be available from September and will be advertised on the Council website as well as through local partner organisations such as Third Sector Leaders and community groups.