We are pleased to offer free English classes for displaced Ukrainians. Before beginning the summer term, please read the following information carefully. At your first class, your teacher will ask you to confirm that you understand the key information about our classes and agree to our code of conduct (either by signing a form in person, or confirming your agreement over email for online classes).
About Ukrainian Institute London
The Ukrainian Institute London is an independent charity dedicated to broadening knowledge about Ukraine in the UK and beyond. In May 2022, we began running free English classes for displaced Ukrainians. We have a very small team, but we work hard to support Ukraine and Ukrainians as much as we can within our resources!
Key information about our classes and frequently asked questions
Who do I contact if I have a question?
- Your teacher is your main point of contact
If you have to miss a lesson or if you have a question related to your classes, please speak to your teacher in person or email them.
Since we have nearly 400 students, it is not manageable for our English School Manager to respond to queries from all students – so please speak to your teacher wherever possible. Your teacher will then speak to Olha, our School Manager, if needed.
In case you have an issue that you do not feel comfortable discussing with your teacher, please email Olha, our School Manager directly at learnenglish@ukrainianinstitute.org.uk.
How do I stay informed?
Telegram channel
We have a telegram channel where we post updates about the school. Please join the channel: https://t.me/learnenglishukrainianinstitute
Can I move from one group to another?
After the first two weeks of term, we cannot move students between groups as this can be disruptive for other students. We also cannot guarantee that there will be spaces in groups of other levels. If you are finding your classes too easy or difficult, please speak to your teacher. They will then discuss with our school manager and we will move you into a different group if possible.
Do I need any learning materials?
Textbooks
You will be required to buy textbooks online. Please speak to your teacher about which book you need.
Code of conduct
Our teachers, volunteers and students come from different backgrounds, and we ask everyone to be respectful of the religion, traditions, beliefs, sexuality, gender, and privacy of others. Using offensive language or acting in an aggressive manner towards anyone will not be tolerated.
Please be mindful of the fact that many people working with Ukrainian Institute London are volunteers who are giving their time for free and are not experts or professionals. We expect everyone who attends our classes to be polite, tolerant and respectful.
Alcohol or drugs are not permitted at our school under any circumstances. It is also not permitted for students to arrive at classes under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It is not permitted for students to bring anyone else to classes unless you have permission from our School Manager. We also ask you not to share the address of our classes with others. The premises for our classes are offered to us for free by our partners in Paddington and West London Welcome, and we only have permission for students enrolled in our classes to be present.
As a small, independent charity we have limited resources and we are not able to provide support beyond our English classes. For other guidance and support you may need, please see our information page with links to other charities and services for displaced Ukrainians: https://refugee-support.ukrainianinstitute.org.uk/settling-into-the-uk.
Please help us to keep our space tidy and clean and in the same way you found it.
Childcare
We only teach adults (18+).
For classes in Paddington, it is not permitted to bring children as we do not have adequate provisions for them.
For classes at West London Welcome we offer a creche for looking after children whilst parents learn English. Before agreeing for volunteers to take care of children, parents must review and sign our parents’ charter.
Asking for your details
We collect your personal details during enrolment and when we ask you to complete our surveys. We keep this personal data safe, using encrypted cloud storage.
Some teachers may suggest setting up a whatsapp group with students in order to stay in touch about re-arranging classes or questions about homework. You are not obliged to join a whatsapp group – teachers will only set up whatsapp groups with your permission.
What to do if you have a concern
We want to ensure that everyone who takes part in our classes is safe and feels comfortable.
In case you have any concerns about your health and safety or the health and safety of anyone else at our school, please write to our School Manager Olha (learnenglish@ukrainianinstitute.org.uk) or our Deputy Director Maria (montague@ukrainianinstitute.org.uk).
Any concerns you raise will be kept confidential.
Safeguarding officers at Paddington
Safeguarding officers at West London Welcome
