EAL

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Supporting Children with English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Belonging, Inclusion and High Expectations at Kingsway Primary School

At Kingsway Primary School, we are proud of our diverse school community. Many of our children speak one or more languages in addition to English, and we recognise this as a strength, not a barrier.

Our approach to supporting children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) is rooted in belief, inclusion and high expectations. We ensure that children with EAL feel welcomed, understood and supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

 

Our inclusive approach to EAL

Support for EAL learners at Kingsway is not separated from day‑to‑day teaching. Instead, it is embedded within our iQFT – Inclusive Quality First Teaching approach.

This means that:

  • all classrooms are planned to be accessible to language learners
  • teaching is adaptive and responsive
  • barriers to communication and understanding are reduced early
  • children remain fully included in the life of the class and school

EAL support is everyone’s responsibility, and all staff play a role in helping children succeed.

 

Leadership and oversight of EAL

EAL provision at Kingsway is led by:

Mr Walker – Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion (EAL Lead)

Supported by:

Miss Dunstan – Pastoral Lead

Together, they:

  • oversee EAL practice across the school
  • ensure staff have the guidance and tools needed to support language development
  • work closely with teachers and families
  • ensure that children’s academic, social and emotional needs are met consistently

 

Understanding language development

Children learning English go through different stages as they build confidence and competence in the language.

At Kingsway, we assess and monitor children’s English language development using The Bell Foundation EAL Assessment Framework, which helps us to:

  • understand where a child is in their language journey
  • plan appropriate classroom strategies
  • ensure expectations remain ambitious and appropriate
  • avoid confusing language development with learning ability

 

This ensures that children are supported accurately, fairly and effectively.

 

EAL support through iQFT

Adaptive teaching in the classroom

Teachers adapt lessons so that children with EAL can access learning alongside their peers. This includes:

  • clear modelling and explanations
  • repeated exposure to key vocabulary
  • visual and oral cues
  • structured opportunities for talk

 

Children are supported at the point of learning, not removed unnecessarily from class.

 

Enabling environments

Our classrooms are designed to support language development through:

  • labelled resources using words and pictures
  • visual timetables and routines
  • pictorial prompts and scaffolded learning aids
  • word mats and sentence starters

 

These supports benefit all learners while being particularly powerful for children with EAL.

 

Digital technology as a language support tool

Kingsway makes innovative use of digital technology, including 1:1 laptops or iPads, to support children with EAL.

Digital tools are used to:

  • translate and clarify meaning
  • support reading and writing
  • reduce language barriers
  • enable children to work independently
  • build confidence and engagement

 

Technology allows children to access the curriculum immediately, without delay or stigma.

 

Peer support and language mentoring

We value the languages children bring to school.

Where appropriate, we use a peer support approach, where:

  • children who share a home language support one another
  • bilingual peers act as language role models
  • children feel a sense of connection and belonging

 

This promotes:

  • confidence
  • social communication
  • positive peer relationships

 

Social inclusion and wellbeing

Language development is closely linked to wellbeing and belonging.

Kingsway supports EAL learners through:

  • strong, trusting adult relationships
  • encouragement to participate in play, talk and collaboration
  • inclusive OPAL outdoor learning and play opportunities
  • careful pastoral support when children are new to school or country

 

Children are supported not only to learn English, but to feel comfortable being themselves.

 

Supporting parents and carers with EAL

We recognise that language barriers can affect communication with school.

Our office and admin staff are committed to supporting families by:

  • using digital translation tools
  • offering support with online systems and communication
  • ensuring information is accessible and clearly explained
  • taking time to check understanding

 

The school website and communication platforms also offer translation functionality to support parents and carers.

Strong relationships with families are central to our EAL approach.

 

High expectations for all children

At Kingsway:

  • being new to English does not mean low expectations
  • children with EAL are entitled to the full curriculum
  • progress is measured carefully and fairly
  • strengths in home language and cultural identity are valued

 

We believe children learn best when they feel respected, included and challenged appropriately.

 

Working with families and services

We work closely with families to:

  • understand children’s language backgrounds
  • celebrate multilingualism
  • support transitions into school

 

Where appropriate, we also work with external services to ensure children receive the right support at the right time.

 

Our commitment

At Kingsway Primary School, we are committed to:

  • inclusive, adaptive teaching for children with EAL
  • strong relationships and belonging
  • effective use of technology to reduce barriers
  • partnership with families
  • ensuring every child can access learning and social opportunities

 

Children with EAL are a valued part of our school community. We are proud of the diversity they bring and are committed to helping every child thrive, achieve and belong.