The children at Foundry Lane Primary School speak over 40 different languages in addition to English! Some of our staff speak different languages too.At Foundry Lane, we are proud of the rich linguistic diversity within our school community. We recognise that speaking more than one language is a real strength, and we are committed to making sure every child, whatever their starting point in English, is able to access our curriculum, make good progress, and feel a valued part of school life.

How we identify and support EAL pupils

When a child for whom English is an additional language joins the school, this information is recorded so that we can build an accurate picture of their language needs. If a child is a New Arrival (defined as having been in the country for less than two months), their class teacher will carry out a new arrival assessment once the child has had time to begin settling in, usually around two weeks after starting.

This assessment looks at the child's proficiency in English and helps us understand what support they will need to access learning. Where appropriate, we work in partnership with families to gather information about the child's first language and educational background, so that we can plan effectively from the outset.

We track the progress of our EAL learners carefully, recognising that developing Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (the more complex, subject-specific language needed to access the curriculum) takes time, even once a child appears confident in everyday spoken English.

EAL is not a special educational need

It is important that EAL is not confused with a Special Educational Need. While some children may benefit from short, targeted withdrawal from class for specific interventions, this is kept to a minimum. Language acquisition is best supported through good, inclusive classroom strategies and thoughtful adaptation of the curriculum, rather than separation from peers. Children learn English most effectively when they have consistent access to strong language models around them, both from adults and from their classmates.

Southampton Language Service

Sometimes we use the support of a Bilingual Assistant (BLA) from Southampton Language Service (SLS) who can work directly with children and families, using their first or home language to support access to the curriculum.

The service also provides access to World Stories, a collection of texts that children can read, or have read to them, in English or in a range of other languages, along with supporting activities and tracking tools. Southampton City Council is also a registered member of NALDIC, the leading national organisation supporting EAL practice, which gives our staff access to further specialist guidance and resources.

Advice for parents and carers new to the English education system

Starting at a new school can feel daunting for any child, and this can be even more true for families who are also finding their way around a new education system. If your child is an EAL learner, it can help to:

• - let us know as early as possible that your child speaks English as an additional language, so we can plan the right           support from the start
• - ask us about the resources and support available for your child
• - share information about your child's first language and previous schooling, so we can build the fullest possible               picture of their needs
• - reach out with any questions about how our school works, our curriculum, or our expectations

We are always happy to talk this through with families, and where needed we can draw on the Southampton Language Service's support with translation and communication between home and school.

Useful links

• Southampton Language Service – Information for parents on education in the UK
• Language information for parents – Information includes:
  • How can I support my child in their new school
  • Understanding the UK education system
  • Applying for a school place
  • How can I support my child’s language learning
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