English Language Learning Platform (ESOL) Market Engagement Exercise

Our ambition in Oxfordshire is to support a refugee and asylum system that ensures a warm welcome for all new arrivals and embraces and supports independent living for those staying in the county. Fundamental to this aim is ensuring new arrivals have the English language skills they need to live independently, navigate systems here and secure good employment opportunities.

The Council wishes to understand what services are available to improve English Language, speaking, reading, writing and listening skills, with a particular focus on improving employment prospects (for adults and for 16-19-year-olds attending school or College), and the use of 'technical English' (i.e. the use of English technical terms related to specific professions and workplaces e.g. medical, childcare, construction etc).

The Council are exploring readily available options and seeking views from potential providers on how best to deliver an English language learning platform to improve spoken and written English language skills to enable people to settle well in Oxfordshire.

This includes: • ESOL (Level 1-Level 3), ESOL for the workplace (work-based ESOL, including the use of technical English, e.g. medical, IT, architecture professions), and IELTS training, including instructions for learning in their home language. • Allow 'grading' English proficiency, using, for example, The Bell Foundation and ESOL Skills for Life • Managed service option • Innovative functions for keeping learning motivated to complete training modules and progress

The aim of this exercise is to understand the provider market, current and emerging practices as well as likely level of interest in the potential procurement activity that the Council may carry out. It is also an opportunity for developing relationships with providers and gain insight on how they would approach the delivery of this service.