Alicja
I used to get frustrated having to rely on people for help when I couldn’t explain things in English. I signed up to free classes in the library and my confidence grew. I can still remember speaking to a shopkeeper for the first time!
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Scroll down the page to view the next sections: 'In-person classes' and 'Online and other tools'.
Key information
1. Children (up to 18 years) will learn English at school or pre-school
Schools provide additional help to children who may be starting school in the UK at a late stage, and need to develop their English language skills. This includes support from:
- Specialist teachers
- Classroom assistants
2. Sign-up every adult aged 19+ to a local ‘ESOL’ class
This is an official course for ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’ and is government-funded for many people. There can be a long waiting list - apply early to make sure you don’t miss out! Class options include:
- Language support in your workplace
- Parent-friendly classes
3. The best way to learn English is to use a combination of learning methods
It’s important to attend classes but there are other ways to learn including:
- Online (e-learning) - using free language apps like Duolingo
- Offline tools such as watching English programmes with subtitles and children’s learning programmes
4. Practice makes perfect!
We all felt out of our comfort zone at first but once we started chatting with local people in English, our confidence grew and we learned faster. Why not try saying hello to a neighbour, a local shopkeeper or someone you meet in class?
In-person classes
The best way to learn English is to attend classes
‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’ (ESOL) classes should be your first classroom learning option. As a citizen of the European Economic Area, these government-funded classes are usually free of charge or at a reduced cost for anyone aged 19+.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses
ESOL courses allow you to learn English with professional teachers in official, structured classes. This means you will get a certificate as proof of your learning that you can show to future employers. There is usually a waiting list, so sign up as soon as possible!
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Do I need to pay for classes?
The course is usually partially or fully government-funded for adults (19+) whose first language is not English, and who are citizens of the European Economic Area
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Where can I find an ESOL class?
Classes are usually run in local colleges, libraries, children’s centres and churches
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Can I attend part-time?
Yes, courses can be either full-time or part-time with evening and parent-friendly options. You usually need to attend a certain number of classes each week for a few months, but there are exceptions with short courses.
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Are there classes for complete beginners?
Yes, classes are offered from beginners up to advanced level, with options to extend your learning with employability courses such as ‘Working in Childcare’ and ‘ESOL and IT’
How to join an ESOL class
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Step 1 - Call or visit the Haringey Adult Learning Service
HALS offers a variety of ESOL courses in a range of venues. You can find their contact details here - call ahead or drop in to find out more about:
- Course levels - the best course to suit your ability
- Funding - check if your classes will be funded and the documents you will need to show for this
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Step 2 - Complete an enrolment form for each member of your family aged 19+
If you are not confident in English, you should ask someone who can speak English to help you on the day. The form will be provided by a HALS advisor and will ask:
- Basic details e.g. your name and address
- Additional information - any special needs, your availability to attend classes
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Step 3 - Show your documents
- Proof of identity (e.g. a valid passport) & proof of address (e.g. a household bill) - see ‘Organising documents & registrations’ for more details
- Additional documents to prove you can receive low-cost or free ESOL classes e.g. wage slips
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Step 4 - Attend an assessment session
The aim of this assessment is to get an idea of your English reading, writing, speaking and listening levels so you can be placed in the right class and given the support you need
- Your application will not be rejected based on your English level if a course is available
- Allow approximately 45 minutes for the assessment - the advisor will let you know how you’ve got on
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Step 5 - Have your application processed
When your application has been approved, your name will usually be added to a waiting list. HALS will let you know when a space becomes available by email, letter or phone.
- This can take a few weeks, but there are other ways to start learning and practicing English (read more in the next sections)
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Step 6 - Start attending English classes!
HALS will let you know your start date, where to go and how often the classes will take place. Once you start, you will be expected to:
- Attend every class - or your place may be offered to someone else
- Supplement your learning by practising daily and using online and other learning tools
Other English language classes
ESOL courses should be your first choice to attend English language classes. If you are waiting to join an ESOL course or want to supplement your learning, enquire with the Haringey Adult Learning Service (part of the Connected Communities programme). Your options include:
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Private lessons
Find an individual who can teach you for an hourly fee or join a private language school and pay per class / course
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Community classes
Low-cost or free classes that are run by local charities and organisations. Keep in mind that they are not official courses so you will not get a certificate as proof of your learning
Online and other tools
The best way to learn English is to use a combination of learning methods - it’s important to attend classes but there are other ways to learn
Online learning (e-learning)
Online learning offers a way to learn English in your own time to extend your classroom learning or when you cannot attend a class. Keep in mind that some e-resources are made for American English so a few phrases may be pronounced differently! Your options include:
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Apps
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Websites
The websites listed offer high quality materials for different learning levels, free of charge:
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YouTube videos
They tend to be more helpful if you have a basic knowledge of English. Here are some popular channels:
- British Council Learn English
- CBeebies early learning programmes - aimed for children but they’re a great learning resource for all ages!
Offline tools and practising English
Practising English outside of the classroom helped us to learn more quickly. There are a number of free or low-cost options to choose from:
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Read books
Borrow a book from your local library or ask your English course provider to lend you a language learning book to expand your vocabulary and skills.
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Listen to English songs
Listen to songs that have lyrics in English and try to understand what they are saying. It’s one of the more fun ways to learn!
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Watch English programmes or films with English subtitles
TV programmes such as Eastenders and Coronation Street (soap operas) are shown a few times each week. Watch them with English subtitles and listen carefully for slang (informal) English terms.
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Tune in to Children’s channels
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Practice makes perfect!
We all felt out of our comfort zone at first, but once we started chatting with local people in English, our confidence grew and we learned faster. Why not try saying hello to a neighbour, a local shopkeeper or someone you meet in class?