Community Based ESOL and Modern Languages
ESOL Home Learning Volunteer Training Course
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 4
Study mode Part time
Start date
Jan 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
The Home Learning Scheme aims to provide access to English language learning for adults (including refugees) who are unable to attend a local community-based ESOL class or who require additional support to continue their studies.
This is achieved through volunteer tutors working on a one-to-one basis once a week in a student's home or another suitable venue. Students are often unable to attend a class due to reasons such as family or work commitments, health issues, or travel difficulties.
Why choose ESOL Home Tutor Training?
Home tutoring for ESOL students will help you develop a strong working relationship, increased involvement, and a deeper understanding of the needs and desires of someone interested in learning English. This course will provide you with firsthand experience of teaching and help you develop your basic teaching techniques and lesson planning skills. This course gives you the independence to help create your teaching creativity and the flexibility to fit around your schedule.
Contact us
If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer before applying, contact tomasz.spalek@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.
The course is free, and when you fill in the application, you will reach a section about fees where this is confirmed. However, there is a box that you must tick, labelled 'employer contract'. This is a technical fix that allows us to offer you a free course and has nothing to do with your employer or employment status.
What you will learn
Introductory Training
Volunteer Tutors must attend a free four-day introductory course over a period of four weeks before meeting a student. The introductory training will develop your language awareness, basic teaching techniques, and provide advice on lesson planning, while also informing volunteers about the philosophy, administration, and support networks of the programme.
On-going Training
You will have an individual support worker, an experienced ESOL teacher, who will offer guidance and advice when needed. You will also receive a newsletter, regular communication, and be expected to attend meetings and training sessions during your time on the programme. Books and teaching materials are available.
Placement information
ESOL Home Learning Volunteer Training CourseHow the course is assessed
- Successful completion of the training course informally assessed through completion of coursework and teaching exercises will lead to a placement with us as a volunteer.
Number of days per week
Information Session: Thursday 16 January 2025
9.15 AM to 11.15 AM Overview of the organisation and our expectations of volunteer tutors
Selection Session: Thursday 16 January 2025
12.15 PM to 2.15 PM Case studies and selection
Plus:
Training Sessions
9.15 AM – 2.15 PM (including 1-hour lunch break)
- Training Session 1 Thursday 23 January 2025
- Training Session 2 Thursday 30 January 2025
- Training Session 3 Thursday 6 February 2025
Entry requirements
No formal qualifications or experience are necessary. However, you should have good communication skills with patience, flexibility and an interest in people and the process of language learning.
We welcome applications from speakers of community languages.
If you have any TEFL or CELTA experience and would be interested in volunteering in one of our classes instead of teaching one-to-one then please contact our administration assistant Agnieszka Waszak. Agnieszka.Waszak@edinburghcollege.ac.uk
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- Attendance at one of the two Information sessions plus successful completion of the selection session
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5 orSQA ESOL National 5 - minimum of B gradeProgression and Articulation Routes
- Introduction to TESOL and Grammar Awareness
- CELTA
Career options
- ESOL teacher
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Part time | 15/01/26 |
