Children with English as an Additional Language (EAL)

What does English as an additional language (EAL) mean? The definition as defined by the DfE is: A pupil’s first language, as any language other than English which they have been exposed to during early development and continue to be exposed to in the home or community. If a child has been exposed to more than one language (which may include English) during early development, a language other than English should be recorded, irrespective of the child’s proficiency in English.

Pupils for whom English is an additional language are welcomed into the school. Children who are considered in need of EAL will be offered support. This may be through additional support, scaffolded lessons, visuals such as pictures, photographs or small group work or 1:1 sessions with a teaching assistant.

The school requests that they are informed by parents or guardians, at time of admission, of any EAL children.

It is important to note that pupils are not regarded as having a learning difficulty solely because the language or form of language in their home is different from the language in which they will be taught.