Author: Liam Morton

Dear colleagues,

ESB International has already moved 95% of its activities to home working and so we continue with our work as we can, during these extraordinary times.

We are currently reviewing our assessments scheduled for next term and will place updated messages for centres on our website and contact our wider ESB team directly.

Central to our ethos is connection – do please continue to email customer@esbuk.org with your questions; let us know if you would like resources or support for your learners and continue to check back in to this website next week for our update.

Thank you to all of you who are continuing to support your learners, we respect your hard work and dedication to their development at this time.

Tina Renshaw,
Chief Executive

ESB International has been monitoring the Coronavirus situation as it relates to our work together and as a responsible employer.

I know you will be adhering to all Public Health or Government guidance and direction as relevant to your country. ESB International has advised its employees and assessors accordingly. We have asked assessors to inform us of any need to self isolate or quarantine.

I wanted to outline therefore the potential impacts:

• There may be instances where a previously confirmed booking requiring assessors cannot be satisfied by ESB International. We will make every effort to satisfy the bookings however should we be unable, no charges will be applied and you will be able to cancel and amend this booking for a future date.
• Should your centre be closed by a management decision or you choose not to go ahead with a booking, please cancel and amend your booking for a future date, so that assessors are advised of the change. Again no cancellation fee will be charged.
• We may not be able to meet our agreed delivery times for results due to staffing impacts. We will of course work hard to manage these impacts on our learners and centres.

I do encourage you to select a new date soon, as we anticipate that the summer term may well be busier, should business as usual be operating then.

We will continue to update our website so please visit the home page first to review any updates from ESB International and should you have any questions please contact us via customer@esbuk.org.

I sincerely hope your staff and learners keep safe and well during this difficult time.

ESB International has been monitoring the Coronavirus situation as it relates to our work together and as a responsible employer.

I know you will be adhering to all Public Health or government guidance and direction as relevant to your country. ESB International has advised its employees and assessors accordingly. We have asked assessors to inform us of any need to self isolate or quarantine.

I wanted to outline therefore the potential impacts:

• There may be instances where a previously confirmed booking requiring assessors can no longer be satisfied by ESB International. We will make every effort to satisfy them however should we be unable, no charges will be applied and you will be able to cancel and amend this booking for a future date
• Should your centre be closed by a management decision or you choose not to go ahead with a booking,  please cancel and amend your booking for a future date, so that assessors are advised of the change. Again no cancellation fee will be charged

Should you have any questions please contact us via  customer@esbuk.org

ESOL Skills for Life Centres, we would like to involve you in an exciting new ESB initiative!

This is your opportunity to help us recognise, reward and celebrate outstanding learners and teachers.

We firmly believe that all learners should possess the oracy and English language skills they need to achieve their aspirations and our ESOL Skills for Life Awards are a prominent way to promote this belief.

Please get involved and nominate individuals for the following awards:

Burniston Bell Award
Named in honour of our founder, Christabel Burniston and our Honorary President, Jocelyn Bell, this award recognises teachers who play a critical role in supporting ESB learners to realise their full potential and achieve their aspirations. Other criteria for this accolade are as follows:

• The teacher creates a positive learning environment for learners.
• The teacher has enabled learners to succeed where they may otherwise have become discouraged.
• The teacher encourages and goes the second mile for learner.
• The teacher creates an inclusive, learning environment for learners.
• The teacher uses innovative teaching and learning methodology.

Please click here to nominate a teacher.

Spirit of ESB Award
The learner is a truly inspirational individual who has made a significant impact on you, continually demonstrating their dedication to improving their learning. Other criteria for this accolade are as follows:

• The learner has demonstrated outstanding commitment to their studies despite significant barriers to learning.
• The learner has demonstrated progression in their learning whilst overcoming barriers.
• The learner has worked together with teachers and students in order to create a positive learning environment.

Please click here to nominate learners.

Selected winners of the Spirit of ESB Award will be invited to demonstrate their skills at a planned June showcase which will celebrate their ESOL journeys and achievements. We would also love all individuals who nominate teachers and learners to join us on this special day.