ESOL training dates in Yorkshire and the Humber

The Manchester Centre for Research in Linguistics is pleased to invite you to our annual research symposium, Linguistics in Action, taking place over two days. The event showcases examples of the work we do in the centre, guided by our aims of creating change and addressing social justice issues through linguistics research.

With all the resources I have: Learning new languages in migrant contexts is a six-week online course running from May to July 2026, led by Mari D’Agostino and Egle Mocciaro. The course explores the challenges of teaching and learning in multilingual migration contexts and introduces practical approaches for working with learners who speak more than one language. Participants will explore the Council of Europe CEFR Companion Volume (2020) and consider how it can be used in real teaching situations. The course also includes video and audio material from workshops in Palermo, Italy, and encourages a multilingual approach to language teaching. Registration opens on 11 May 2026. Participants who complete the course can request a personalised certificate. For more information, contact info@eu-speak.net .

Registrations for 42nd Annual Conference are now open. Please see information below and help us spread the word by forwarding the attached to your contacts. Follow the link to register

This meeting we'll be joined by Emma Taylor from Migration Yorkshire to talk about the work of Strategic Migration Partnerships in the current context of migration and language learning remaining in the spotlight (and not always for the right reasons!). We'll also have the usual NATECLA updates and temperature take – as well as exciting news about the Managers' Network being showcased at IATEFL and during next month's European Basic Skills Network conference. Recognising that this is a busy time of year for everyone, this meeting will be slightly shorter than usual (1 hour), although hopefully you can spare the time to join us.

This practical blended course (around 14 hours) combines live online sessions with independent study, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Designed for both new and experienced ESOL teachers, the course leads to an accredited certificate through the completion of tasks, reflections, and peer sharing. You will gain a deeper understanding of teaching at pre-entry level, including how to create a supportive classroom environment and effectively develop learners’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. The course also explores key areas such as lesson planning for low-level learners, pronunciation, digital skills, and adapting teaching for mixed-level classes. With a strong focus on real-world practice, you will leave with original teaching resources, practical strategies, and access to a wide range of free materials to support your work in the classroom. Thursday 2:00 – 4:00pm

Join the next Radical Solidarity Hub meeting on Wednesday 29 April, 11am – 12.30pm, on Zoom, where we will focus on asylum appeals. This session will provide a space to think about what the new 24-week timetable for certain asylum appeals could mean in practice, alongside the Home Office’s call for evidence on a new Independent Appeals Body. We also want to use the time to listen to our communities about where unrepresented appellants are struggling most, and see how we can find solutions together.

Join the next ESOL Research Community meeting for a lively panel discussion with four researchers at different stages of their research journey. Together they will explore what it really means to carry out ESOL research, from shaping an idea and developing a proposal to collecting data and publishing findings. The session is supported by the Learning and Skills Research Network and will be moderated using questions submitted by members of the ESOL Research Community. Expect practical insights, honest reflections and space for meaningful dialogue. After the one-hour panel, stay on from 5:00–5:30pm for informal breakout rooms and networking. Panel members: Orsolya Dunn (Ayrshire College & University of Glasgow), Sam Shepherd (Shipley College), Zaina Aljumma (Swansea University), Rachid Meftah (Bradford College & University of Leeds)

This one-day training course Making Boundaries Work is ideal for anyone working with service users who are facing ongoing difficulties or challenges. Cost: £99

Teaching about people seeking sanctuary has long been part of the Schools of Sanctuary programme and award – but how can we make sure we are doing this thoughtfully and meaningfully? Over the past year, we have been working on a project with partners at the University of Newcastle on this exact question – and we now want to share what we've learnt, drawing on contributions and experiences from across our network. We will share practical activities and be inviting primary aged teachers to participate in an exciting trial to evaluate this approach and help us develop the best resources to support you.

This workshop introduces the basics of the UK asylum system using the Right to Remain Toolkit. It explains the different stages of the process, recent legal changes, and the difference between legal advice and legal support. The session is designed to build confidence in understanding the asylum system and help participants find and share accurate information when supporting themselves or others.

This one day event, hosted by the Coalition for Language Education, brings together practitioners, researchers, community organisations and policy voices to explore how cities can play a stronger role in shaping inclusive and joined up language education. Set in the everyday reality of multilingual cities, the event looks at how people use, mix and develop languages across home, work, education and community life, and asks how education systems can better recognise and build on this rich linguistic expertise. Through case studies, structured discussion and cross sector dialogue, participants will reflect on current challenges including underfunding in ESOL, limited support for EAL and heritage languages, and fragmented language provision. The focus is firmly on practical, locally driven approaches, with space to explore how collaboration across schools, adult education, universities and communities can help regenerate language education in meaningful and equitable ways. This event is particularly relevant for anyone interested in local partnerships, community rooted practice and the future of language education in diverse urban settings. Is this conversation helpful so far?

This session, will look at how photography enriches and supports language learning in the ESOL classroom – how it can be used as a simple warmer, as part of a lesson, or as the basis for a full course. We will explore how taking and sharing photos brings learning to life, builds community, works well with mixed-level groups, and leads to powerful writing. The session will include looking at examples of both individual and group work, along with activity ideas, top tips, and useful resources.

Please join University of Exeter for a new lecture series! The University of Exeter Intercultural Communication Lecture Series invites researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of Intercultural Communication to share their latest research with students and the wider academic community. Each event begins with a 50–60 minute presentation, followed by a Q&A session and a 40-minute workshop, offering participants the opportunity to engage with data or questions related to the lecture. The thematic focus of the series includes everyday cultural and linguistic experiences, materiality, hospitality, homemaking, and artmaking, all approached through an intercultural lens. Schedule (Tuesdays, 16:30–18:00)

Join upcoming free webinar hosted by Pride in Education, co-hosted by our team. The session will feature an interview with Marty Davies, founder of Trans+ History Week, and will include the launch of a new free e-book on supporting trans and non-binary learners across all areas of education, including ESOL. The webinar is open to anyone working in education who would like practical guidance on creating inclusive learning environments.

This workshop will consider what neuroscience can tell us about the impact of trauma on the brain and behaviour. We'll then explore some practical strategies to support students and help them to regulate their emotions and get back to learning. Knowing why some students exhibit the behaviours they do and that sometimes this is not a choice they make but is caused by the way their brain has adapted to cope with the traumas they have experienced can give a whole range of new strategies to employ to engage students more fully in learning. Date: Thursday 12 March 2026 Time: 12:30 – 13:45 Presenter: Sheila Mulvenney

The Employment Rights Act 2025 became law in December and introduces some of the biggest changes to employment law in over ten years. Join the Garden Court Chambers Employment Law Team for a free online. Barristers Rosa Thomas, Michael Engelhardt-Sprack and Oscar Davies will explain what the new law means in practice, covering topics such as unfair dismissal, zero-hours contracts, family and bereavement leave, collective redundancy, NDAs, and trade union rights. Attendance is free. In-person places are now full, but online attendance is still available.

Please join University of Exeter for a new lecture series! The University of Exeter Intercultural Communication Lecture Series invites researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of Intercultural Communication to share their latest research with students and the wider academic community. Each event begins with a 50–60 minute presentation, followed by a Q&A session and a 40-minute workshop, offering participants the opportunity to engage with data or questions related to the lecture. The thematic focus of the series includes everyday cultural and linguistic experiences, materiality, hospitality, homemaking, and artmaking, all approached through an intercultural lens. Schedule (Tuesdays, 16:30–18:00)

Please join University of Exeter for a new lecture series! The University of Exeter Intercultural Communication Lecture Series invites researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of Intercultural Communication to share their latest research with students and the wider academic community. Each event begins with a 50–60 minute presentation, followed by a Q&A session and a 40-minute workshop, offering participants the opportunity to engage with data or questions related to the lecture. The thematic focus of the series includes everyday cultural and linguistic experiences, materiality, hospitality, homemaking, and artmaking, all approached through an intercultural lens. Schedule (Tuesdays, 16:30–18:00)

This is a CPD event that I look forward to each year. Held at the weekend and with a host of interesting workshops and a great line up of presenters. Highly recommended.

A supportive session exploring resilience and wellbeing for ESOL practitioners, with space to reflect and take away ideas you can apply in your own context. Both sessions are free and open to all. Practical, grounded and led by people who understand ESOL classrooms.

This extended four week blended course offers around 14 hours of learning through live online sessions and independent study. Shaped by participant feedback, it includes more practical activities, richer content and plenty of time for discussion. Designed for both new and experienced ESOL teachers, the course combines reflection, shared learning and applied tasks, leading to a certificate on completion. Participants finish with original classroom resources and access to a wide range of teaching, learning and assessment materials. The course explores pre entry learning needs, creating supportive classrooms, developing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, lesson staging, trauma informed practice, adaptive teaching for mixed level classes, digital skills, pronunciation and the use of practical, authentic resources.

A friendly, informal Teachmeet where ESOL practitioners share short, practical ideas you can use straight away. Expect 4-minute snapshots of activities and resources covering digital skills, wellbeing, work readiness and everyday English. Come to share one simple idea or just listen and pick up inspiration. No pressure, no polished slides, just what works. Cost: Free Time: 12:30

Please join University of Exeter for a new lecture series! The University of Exeter Intercultural Communication Lecture Series invites researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of Intercultural Communication to share their latest research with students and the wider academic community. Each event begins with a 50–60 minute presentation, followed by a Q&A session and a 40-minute workshop, offering participants the opportunity to engage with data or questions related to the lecture. The thematic focus of the series includes everyday cultural and linguistic experiences, materiality, hospitality, homemaking, and artmaking, all approached through an intercultural lens. Schedule (Tuesdays, 16:30–18:00)

This practical workshop explores how ESOL teachers can respond more confidently to learners’ emergent language in the moment. Using the playful idea of being “squirrels in the branches” rather than gardeners with a fixed plan, Sam will share ways to notice, select and work with the language learners produce during lessons. The session will look at how to capture this language, revisit it in future activities, and shift our role towards listening and curating learning. While focused on responsive ESOL practice, the ideas and techniques are relevant to a wide range of classroom settings. Time: 19:00–20:15 Presenter: Sam Shepherd

The webinar, presented by Dan Summer, focuses on a scheme launched by the University of Sussex to help students from forced migrant backgrounds to develop their English language skills. It will detail how the scheme has enabled these students to access higher education and professional work and the positive effects it has had on other aspects of their lives, such as improved well-being. The webinar is free for all to attend, and certificates of attendance will be sent to IATEFL members.

Join us for two short talks exploring fresh research on testing and assessing ESOL learners at different levels. Each speaker will present for 20 minutes, followed by a short Q&A. We’ll finish with a 30-minute open discussion where everyone can share reflections and questions inspired by the talks. Time 4pm – 5.30pm GMT via Microsoft Teams.

An interactive webinar exploring how rehearsal room techniques, storytelling and language from playwrights such as Shakespeare can bring ESOL lessons to life. You’ll see practical demonstrations, hear real student impact stories, and learn how drama-based approaches can support language development, confidence and resilience. The session offers adaptable ideas and tools to help you introduce active, engaging learning into ESOL classrooms at all levels, across reading, writing, speaking and listening. TIME: 16:00 – 17:30

This session explores how ESOL teachers can harness generative AI to create tailored resources that reflect their own professional expertise. Rather than replacing teachers, AI can act as a flexible tool to support planning, adapt materials for different levels, and generate bespoke activities that respond to learners' needs. Together we'll look at practical strategies for prompt writing, ways to maintain control over the output, and examples of how AI can complement – not compete with – the creativity and knowledge teachers already bring to their classrooms

Registration is now open for the symposium: Questioning Normativity: Decoloniality in EAP and Language Education. Plenary speakers * Professor Paul Breen (University College London) * Professor Suresh Canagarajah (Pennsylvania State University) The event will feature paper panels and roundtable discussions on: * Epistemic justice and pluriverse knowledges * Multilingualism, belonging and identity * Ethics and linguistic justice in higher education * Policy, assessment and institutional coloniality * Linguistic diversity and decolonial contexts Full programme details, including session titles, timings and room allocations within the Esther Simpson Building, will be announced shortly. Registration (places are limited): Please complete the registration form and payment by Monday 1 December 2025. Early registration is strongly encouraged to secure your place and assist with catering arrangements.