There are now more than one million learners in UK schools who speak English as an additional language (EAL). ‘The English society is multilingual, with an estimated 360 languages spoken across the country’ (Department for Education, April 2024). This represents a considerable proportion of the school population. In our school population, we have 14.3% per cent of children who have English as an Additional Language.
Our EAL learners come from very diverse backgrounds. With some following their families coming to the UK as economic migrants or for educational or work commitments. EAL learners also include those who were born and raised in the UK speaking a language other than English as their first spoken language. The first languages spoken by EAL learners in our school include Ukranian, Malayalam, Makaton, Urdu, Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Tagalog/Filipino, Igbo, Romanian, Tamil, Italian, Panjabi, Welsh and Irish Gaelic.
As with other groups of learners, our teachers adapt their lessons ensuring all children develop good understanding and progress in lessons. They do this by involving learners in activities where the language is challenging but appropriate to their abilities and interests.
As a school we enjoy celebrating different cultural festivals and events throughout the year. Ensure that all children are valued and celebrated. Some examples include European day of Languages, Diwali, Passover and Hanukkah, Christmas and Lunar New Year.
We as a school also get support off experts from our Local Authority.
Nursery saying hi and bye in Malayalam.
Reception using Makaton to sign our morning prayer
In Year 1, one of our friends taught us to say good morning in Urdu
Year 2 singing Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes in Polish.
Evidence:
Online Resources:
- BBC Resources are full of ideas for rhymes and songs, materials are suitable for sharing with families.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/curations/nursery-rhymes
- BBC Resource explaining the benefit of speaking your home language with your young child.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/learn-grandmas-language/zf3fy9q
- BBC Resource explaining Bilingual babies and speaking multiple languages at home. https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/bilingual
- https://www.youtube.com/c/LeanneSignedStories
Other Resources:
- Induction
- Your First Language is important
- https://birthto5matters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Understanding-the-steps-of-learning-for-children-with-EAL-in-the-Early-Years-21.3.17.pdf
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s English language, please inform the school contact Karen Foley EAL Manager at karen.foley@knowsley.gov.uk
For further information please email: karen.foley@knowsley.gov.uk
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