MESH Spring Event: Pre-Entry ESOL. Reviewing Approaches & Sharing Ideas

Pre-Entry ESOL. Reviewing Approaches & Sharing Ideas.

In our Spring 2026 Regional Networking meeting we will explore Pre-Entry ESOL. This is an issue which is frequently cited when we ask colleagues what we should focus on for discussion and training. It is often identified as the hardest level to teach, demanding a complex combination of creativity, energy and sensitivity. Pre-Entry learners are very diverse. There are no typical starting points. Literacy is also frequently an issue that needs to be addressed in the Pre-Entry classroom.

In this session we will focus on some key themes in Pre-Entry ESOL delivery. Our aim is to support practitioners by sharing ideas, enabling discussion of key themes and showcasing useful resources. We will also look at initiatives across the region which are addressing pre-Entry ESOL and integrating it with progression routes into further learning. Some key questions this session will address are:

• What effective approaches address the challenge of pre-Entry delivery across the region
• Is there a specific role for the third sector in delivering pre-Entry learning, and how can we ensure that this role is sufficiently recognised and resourced?
• What quality resources are available to facilitate pre-Entry learning?
• Are there effective ways to ensure that pre-Entry learners have clear and appropriate routes into E1 learning and beyond?

Please join us and contribute to our shared learning around pre-Entry ESOL.

Agenda:

10:30 Introduction and updates: The MESH team

10.40: Setting the scene: What is preEntry and who is included? Mary Osmaston, NATECLA

11:10: How is pre-Entry ESOL delivered? Issues and ideas from the Third and College sectors, with Margaret Winter, Fartown Trinity ESOL Project & Chloe Whinkup, Heart of Yorkshire College

11.40: BREAK

11.55: A framework for integrated delivery of pre-Entry ESOL: Perspectives on the South Yorkshire English Language Consortium. With Ryan Hunt, SYMCA, Jo Holliday, SAVTE & Shahbaz Abbas, Sheffield FACES

12.20: Sharing ideas, resources and strategies. Sharing learning ideas amongst colleagues from across the region on issues such as:

• Pre-Entry Reading resources
• Resources for Pre-Entry delivery on LE+
• Teacher training provision for Pre-Entry
• Tailored learning
• Community & embedded learning for Pre-Entry learners
• Engaging older learners

13.00: Lunch

Our spring Networking Event is at the Huddersfield Mission, 3-13 Lord St, Huddersfield HD1 1QA. Visit the Centre Website for more information.

Lunch will be vegetarian. Please let the MESH team know by 17th March 2026 if you have any dietary restrictions by emailing us at [email protected].

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