Agenda item

The Director of Tourism, Culture and Inward Investment submits a report for the Commission to consider and comment upon the development of the UKSPF funded ESOL projects in 2024-25.

The Director of Tourism, Culture and Inward Investment submitted a report for the Commission to consider and comment upon the development of the UKSPF funded ESOL projects in 2024-25.

The Regeneration Programmes & Projects Manager attended the meeting remotely to assist with the discussion.

The Head of Adult Education presented the report.  Key points to note were:

·       Everyday English focussed on economically inactive individuals who were not currently accessing other ESOL provision due to a lack of eligibility or reluctance or due to asylum seeker status.

·       Twin Training focussed on those who were seeking work and/or upskilling.

·       Learning had been provided to 487 individuals.  This had exceeded the targets set.

·       Everyday English offered short coursed both through Council venues and venues of partners.

·       Enrichment activities were offered to facilitate practicing English in real-life.

·       Wraparound support was provided to help people access all support and opportunities available.

·       The partnership was strong, built on a network developed through the Multiply maths project.

·       Sessions were offered in which people were encouraged to practice English through doing another practical activity, e.g. cooking.

·       The UKSPF had allowed flexibility to deliver less traditional education.

·       IT skills were offered alongside ESOL.

Members were invited to comment and ask questions, Responses were as follows:

·       In response to a query about the context of the offers it was noted that the intention was to fill the gaps that existing ESOL provision left with a range of models of delivery and locations.  This opened up opportunities and added wraparound support to progress into other provision.

·       In response to a question about indications of success with regard to boosting employability via Twin Training, it was explained that there was no overall employability outcome target as English was just one element.  It was further clarified that there was an employment target for women, and this was on track to be achieved.

·       It was clarified that the £275k grant for Everyday English was shared between the organisations involved.

·       In response for a request for feedback on the trips to Leicester Museum and Art Gallery and Belgrave Hall, it was noted that following the initial trip, many participants had returned during half term with their children.  It was noted that people were going to places in the city that they had never been to before despite living here.

·       In response to a query about whether the programmes could continue with the UKSPF funding reduced to 75%, it was affirmed that a smaller programme could be delivered.  Further sources of funding were being looked at.

·       In response to a question about the ethnicity of participants, it was noted that those in the category ‘other’ were from a number of backgrounds.

·       In response to a query about the potential for other groups to provide services, it was confirmed that organisations could contact the Council on projects, and that the Council were happy to bring in new partners and make links.

AGREED:

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    That comments made by members of this commission to be taken into account by the lead officers.

3)    That members remain aware of the ESOL programmes.