English as an additional language (EAL)

What is English as an additional language?

EAL stands for English as an additional language. It is a term used to describe children and young people where English may not be their first language. Since children and young people may be fluent in several other languages, we use the term 'additional' instead of 'second'. Children or young people with EAL may have varying levels of proficiency in English, depending on their exposure and support.

There are over 15,000 EAL children and young people in Norfolk who speak at least 178 different languages. This equates to over 1 in 8 children and young people in our Norfolk classrooms, so it is likely that all staff in schools and settings will work with children or young people who have EAL.

Why is it important for us to be aware of children or young people who have EAL?

Children or young people with EAL may face challenges in accessing the curriculum, communicating with their peers and teachers, and developing their academic and social skills. They may need appropriate and differentiated support to develop their language and learning skills in the school context.

All children and young people, including those who have EAL, should have the opportunity to fully access the curriculum and fulfil their potential. Research evidence highlights the crucial importance of proficiency in English as a key predictor of educational outcomes.

Ensuring children and young people who have EAL can fully access a high-quality and ambitious curriculum means we need to establish appropriate systems and structures to ensure equal opportunities so all can Flourish.

What does the law say?

It is a legal duty to meet the needs and promote the attainment of EAL children and young people under the Equality Act 2010, with reference to the protected characteristic of 'Race'. This is also referenced within the National Curriculum (4.5, 4.6) and Teachers Standards (standards 3, 5).

To fulfil safeguarding duties, schools should use interpretation services.

What support is available?

National

There are a range of national organisations offering a variety of evidence-informed resources, training, and guidance for schools and settings. Schools and settings can benefit from accessing the support and expertise of these organisations to enhance their provision and practice for EAL children and young people. Organisations include:

• The Bell Foundation is a charity that aims to improve outcomes for children or young people who have EAL. The Bell Foundation offers a range of resources, training, and research, including the EAL Assessment Framework, the EAL Nexus website, and the Language for Results programme.
• NALDIC is the national subject association for EAL. NALDIC provides professional development, research, advocacy, and networking for EAL practitioners, researchers, and policy makers. NALDIC also offers resources and information for schools, such as the EAL Framework, the EAL and Ofsted guide, and the EAL and SEND guide.
• Diverse Educators have created an EAL and Multilingualism toolkit in which they are collating a growing bank of resources to support a culture of valuing multilingualism and promoting a 'language-aware pedagogy'.
• NASSEA (The Northern Association of Support Services for Equality and Achievement) aims to improve teaching and learning for black and minority ethnic (BAME) children and young people. Their offer of support includes consultation on ethnic minority achievement, training, resources to purchase including EAL assessment framework and events.
• The Young Interpreter Scheme is an initiative that provides peer support to children or young people who have EAL, their families, and schools / settings. The scheme recognises the potential within each school community for children or young people of all ages to use their skills and knowledge to help new arrivals access English and feel part of the school. It is a way of valuing multilingualism whilst acknowledging and celebrating the skills of their learners.

Norfolk

Our local offer draws upon what is available nationally, helping you contextualise approaches, and provides targeted support to meet the needs of your school community.

Norfolk County Council has developed a toolkit for schools and settings focused on EAL. The aim of the toolkit is to provide guidance around a whole school or setting approach to supporting children and young people with EAL to feel welcome, safe and valued as well as providing step by step guidance on how to support children and young people appropriately who are identified as having EAL.

Key contacts

Interpretation services can be accessed through INTRAN.

To request support from an EAL Adviser or if you would like any further support, please contact us inclusionandsend@norfok.gov.uk.