HL Deb 11 December 2001 vol 629 cc188-9WA
Lord Rotherwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect the completion of the development of a package of training and support materials for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) teachers; and when they expect to deliver an intensive programme, which will train all teachers who work six hours or more to deliver the new core ESOL curriculum; and [HL1509]

When they expect to produce the support package for all those who teach refugees and asylum seekers; and [HL1510]

Whether the funding for the development of the national core curriculum for ESOL's final version will be available in December 2001. [HL1511]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)

As part of Skills for Life, the national strategy for improving adult literacy and numeracy skills, the Government are fully committed to providing good quality English language provision for adults who do not speak English as their first language. The core curriculum for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), based on the National Standards for Adult Literacy, has been developed following consultation and will be published by my department on 20 December 2001.

An intensive teacher training programme to train all teachers who work six or more hours per week to deliver the ESOL core curriculum began in September: 2,500 teachers will have completed their training by April 2002. As part of this work, a report on the use of existing ESOL diagnostic assessment tools will be produced to inform the production of a new ESOL diagnostic assessment instrument by September 2002. Guidance for teachers will also be produced on how to report learner progress against the national standards and ESOL curriculum. In addition, we intend to develop ESOL learning materials and train teachers in their use.

We are currently producing a support pack for people working with asylum seekers and refugees. This will include advice and guidance for workers, managers and teachers and will be available in April 2002. Further guidance to support the education of children of asylum seekers and refugees is also being developed.