College success in any language

8:10am Saturday 11th October 2008

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Ofsted inspectors have praised a Haringey college for its work with students who speak English as a second language.

The College of North East London (CoNEL) in High Road, Tottenham, was found to be one of the most “outstanding” providers in the country, according to the report published last Thursday.

Inspectors visited the college to examine the quality of English teaching for speakers of other languages (ESOL), including migrant workers, refugees and asylum-seekers.

The report said: “CoNEL is particularly successful at enabling learners with poor language skills to access education and training.

“Their ESOL courses are also offered at a wide range of community venues and include citizenship as part of the programme.”

Inspectors said CoNEL also excelled at providing additional support services, such as financial advice and guidance, help with immigration matters, and applying for benefits, as well as charity grants and housing advice.

College principal, Paul Head, said: “Our Equipping for Choice project produced excellent results and will receive further Government funding.

“At CoNEL, the ESOL teachers and vocational teachers successfully support learners, and each other, during lessons.

“A high percentage of our ESOL students progress to vocational courses, academic study or employment.”

The Equipping for Choice project pilot involved 50 Haringey residents speaking up to 20 different languages.

The students learned English through meetings with representatives of local services, such as councillors and the police, where they discussed access to services.

Christine Gilbert, a chief inspector, said: “Good English speaking skills are critical to millions of people, and open up a world of opportunities.”

According to the Ofsted report, only half of all ESOL courses in England are rated either ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’.