The national association representing Esol teachers is seeking clarification around Brexit, including what would happen in a “no deal” scenario.

Natecla (the National Association for Teaching English and other Community Languages to Adults) has written to education secretary Damian Hinds, skills minister Anne Milton, Education and Skills Funding Agency chief executive Eileen Milner and Department for Education permanent secretary Jonathan Slater.

Natecla is calling for confirmation of the funding eligibility of EU citizens currently enrolled on Esol courses in the UK, and those already in the UK who join a course after Brexit, or who move to the UK in the future

The body has also asked for clarification of how money from the European Social Fund used for Esol provision will be replaced.

Ian Wollington, head of universal skills at City Lit, an adult education college in central London, said the FE sector’s staff and students’ need “urgent information to allow essential English and Esol teaching provision to be maintained after Brexit”.

“Learners who have formed part of our collective may soon be noticeable only by their absence,” he said.

“And this loss will be felt bitterly: from the contributions these learners make to the diversity of our classes to our ability to plan and finance courses. No one is certain about what the status of EU citizens will be both of those already in the UK and those who may come after the exit and how their eligibility for funding will be affected.

“With a no deal in March looking increasingly plausible, Esol students and staff need a commitment to continued funding of all our present and future EU learners. Unfortunately, from an Esol perspective, I am not sure that is looking a likely prospect.”