ESOL NI E-zine – Winter Edition 2026 (February updates)
Visit our website: ESOL NI
Here is the new ‘ESOL NI translated searching instructions’ PDF poster:
The poster above has been translated into 7 different languages:
- ESOL NI poster_Amharic
- ESOL NI poster_Arabic
- ESOL NI poster_Farsi
- ESOL NI poster_Somali
- ESOL NI poster_Tigrinya
- ESOL NI poster_Ukrainian
Feel free to print and share the information.
Section One: FE Colleges – News and Updates
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Sanctuary Pathways Through Further & Higher Education Event
📅 Wednesday 4 March 2026, 3.00-6.00pm
📍South Dining Hall, Queen’s University Belfast
Do you face barriers on your journey through Further or Higher Education in Northern Ireland?
This FREE event brings together representatives from across the sector to answer your questions and help you explore your options.
Whether you are just starting out, returning to education, or planning your next step, join us for Sanctuary Pathways, a welcoming event bringing together representatives from regional Further Education colleges, teacher‑training colleges, universities, the Education Authority, and a number of ESOL providers. You’ll be able to speak directly with the organisations who can support you. The event is open to all, including refugees, asylum seekers, and anyone experiencing challenges accessing education beyond school. Whatever stage you’re at, whatever qualifications you have, come along and let us help you map your pathway through Further and Higher Education.
We look forward to welcoming you on Wednesday, 4 March!
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Belfast Met Inclusive Learning – URGENT FEB 2026 DEADLINE:
Do you study at Belfast Met require support in exams due to a learning difficulty, disability or long-term medical condition?
Section Two: Community News and Updates
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Rainbow Refugees NI – information for ESOL Learners
Rainbow Refugees are an independent volunteer-led group providing a safe space for LGBTQIA+ refugees and people seeking sanctuary in Northern Ireland.
Please circulate amongst ESOL providers and learners across Northern Ireland so that LGBTQIA+ refugees learning English might more easily find support.
You can find more information about the group via link here: https://www.rainbowrefugeesni.com/ or Or in the flyer.
Section Three: ESOL Sector – Updates and Opportunities
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Voluntary Sector ESOL Working Group
A UK-based community of voluntary teachers, managers and supporters of teaching English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Migrants. Here you can raise concerns about the sector which can be raised to the NATECLA (National Association for Teaching English and other Community Languages to Adults) Management Council, giving the voluntary sector a voice at a national level.
Here is a link to the Voluntary Sector ESOL Working Group Needs Analysis survey.
The survey can also be found by following this link to our Padlet, where you can find more information about resources and upcoming events for the Voluntary ESOL Sector.
Sharon Baker BA(Hons), MEd, Dip ELIC, DipHE, CELTA
Lead Language Tutor, Consultant & Translator, ESOL, English, French & Spanish
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The Bell Foundation Conference 2026 - Visible and Heard: Ensuring EAL and ESOL learners are recognised and effectively supported in education
Tuesday 23 June 2026 | University of Birmingham
Key themes include:
- Supporting learners arriving late into the school system
- Investigating the intersection of EAL and SEND
- Exploring opportunities for use of AI in language education
This event will bring together practitioners, school leaders, local authorities, universities, teacher trainers, and third sector organisations for an insightful day packed with keynote presentations, networking opportunities with leading voices, and 9 practical breakout sessions.
Tickets are now on sale for the standard cost of £120 (incl. VAT). Tickets are strictly limited to 200 attendees, so book now to avoid disappointment!
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The Coalition for Language Education News – – Coalition for Language Education’s response to UK Parliament’s Call for Evidence (3795) on the UK Government’s proposed changes to the immigration system. (weblink to the full response here.)
In this response, the Coalition argues against Government plans to increase the English language proficiency requirements for settlement and citizenship. Instead, it stresses the necessity and benefits of accepting immigrants with mixed levels of English, and the need for increased support for flexible and inclusive ESOL and EAL provision and teacher training
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Tips and and updates on ESOL resources by TOM 😊
See below some useful links to ESOL resources compiled and shared by Tom LeSeeleur (SERC’s ESOL teacher and coordinator).
– International House London – Portal:
https://teacherportal.ihlondon.com/
Free to join for teachers.
– University of Kent ESOL Resources:
https://research.kent.ac.uk/theenglishhubforrefugees/resources/
These are free teaching and learning resources created to help different levels of students and teachers online or F2F.
– Mark Evans – publications
– Finding a job or starting a business resources
https://ach.org.uk/help-and-support/useful-resources/
In different languages. Very useful – thank you ACH and Jill
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