Available Training and Further Resources
Qualify as an ESOL Tutor
Most ESOL providers (e.g. Colleges and Adult Education Services) require their ESOL tutors to have Level 5 ESOL Teaching Qualifications. These could be qualifications such as Trinity TESOL (Teaching English Speakers of Other Languages) or CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults).
These qualifications can be delivered in-person and online at several providers across the North West. They can be delivered intensively, full-time for a few weeks or part-time over a longer period of time. These courses usually cost approximately £1300 – £1500 per learner.
Available Training to CPD
Bell Foundation ESOL Volunteer Training
Training designed to support volunteers working with ESOL learners, including refugees and asylum seekers. It focuses on practical strategies, safeguarding, and learner engagement.
· Best Features:
· Online and in-person formats
· Reflective practice and real-life scenarios
· Tailored for new and experienced volunteers
Access: https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/news/esol-training-for-volunteers-online-and-in-person/
Trauma-Informed ESOL for Refugees
A self-access course and live workshop that helps volunteers understand trauma and apply trauma-informed strategies in ESOL settings.
· Best Features:
· Based on research and classroom experience
· Self-paced modules and optional live sessions
· Focus on inclusive, sensitive teaching
Access: https://le.ac.uk/cite/sanctuary-seekers-unit/events/trauma-workshop
Teaching English to Refugees and Displaced Learners
A free self-study course from the British Council that helps teachers and volunteers create trauma-sensitive classrooms, work with limited resources, and manage challenging behaviour.
· Best Features:
· Three self-paced modules with certificates
· Workbook, live events, and Facebook community
· Focus on trauma, resourcefulness, and behaviour management
Access: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/training/teaching-english-refugees-and-displaced-learners
Language Support for Adult Refugees: A Council of Europe Toolkit (2017)
This toolkit was developed as part of the Council of Europe’s Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants (LIAM) project. It is designed to support organisations and volunteers providing language support to adult refugees and asylum seekers. The toolkit includes 57 downloadable tools and resources that can be adapted to different contexts and learner needs.
· Best Features:
· Practical and adaptable: Tools can be tailored to local contexts and learner profiles
· Volunteer-focused: Designed especially for those with little or no formal teaching experience
· Multilingual: Available in 7 languages
· Comprehensive: Covers needs analysis, learning plans, materials, and assessment
· Free to access and use
Access: https://www.coe.int/en/web/language-support-for-adult-refugees
NATECLA Volunteer Resources
A curated hub of resources, guidance, and training links for volunteers supporting ESOL learners in community and informal settings.
· Best Features:
· Free online courses and toolkits
· Guidance for working with refugees and asylum seekers
· VIME Toolkit for volunteer training
· Framework for good practice in voluntary ESOL
Access: https://www.natecla.org.uk/volunteer-resources
In addition, there are several organisations that design and deliver CPD for existing tutors:
Learning Unlimited: Learning Unlimited offer Training and CPD on their website.
The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) have resources to use for CPD: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) support on The Education and Training Foundation website.