English as an additional language (EAL) for Early Years

Supporting Children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) in the Early Years

Supporting children with EAL in the early years is a critical aspect of creating an inclusive and nurturing learning environment. Early years practitioners play a pivotal role in helping children develop language skills, build confidence, and integrate smoothly into early years settings.

Here is a One Minute Guide to EAL in the early years (PDF) [110KB] which is a summary of EAL, key strategies you can use and where to go for support. The following pages in this section then offer a comprehensive guide on how you can best support children with EAL, including definitions, nationally available resources, Norfolk-specific support, and actionable tips.