EAL - Welcoming a new EAL child or young person to your school or setting

What is EAL?

EAL stands for English as an Additional Language. For more general information on EAL see our EAL - English as an additional language One Minute Guide. 

Children or young people with EAL may have good understanding of English or none at all but there are lots of things you can do to support them to flourish. 

The National and Norfolk Picture

Across the UK, there is a diverse linguistic background among children and young people. The number of children and young people who are multilingual learners in Norfolk is growing, currently it is 1 in 8.

Why is it important to consider how to welcome new EAL children and young people?

A warm welcome is crucial for children and young people with EAL. It helps them feel included and safe, which can significantly improve their learning experience. Getting the first day right sets a positive tone for their educational journey. This guide will give you some top tips to help you make this happen.

How can I welcome children and young people with EAL into my school or setting? 

What you need to do before they arrive

• Find out which language they speak, hopefully you will have met the parents and given the family a tour of your school or setting if possible. Share any welcome packs in the family's home language.
• Use a translation service to ensure you are gaining accurate information and the family are fully informed.
• Prepare bilingual resources, visual aids, and a welcoming classroom environment. There are several great websites available for bilingual teaching resources and visual aids:
  • Twinkl has a number of bilingual teaching resources that can be used across the curriculum and learning environment. 
  • Learning Village has printable resources for new arrivals and admissions.
  • Widgit Online might be a system you use - check with your SENDCO as they have a free easy to use translation tool to create quick accurate visuals.
• Prepare the class to welcome the new member and set up, if possible, a buddy or two to help the child or young person settle in quickly and show them the routines. We have a Young Interpreters Scheme One Minute Guide for further information.
• Learn a few basic phrases in the child or young person's home language to make them feel welcomed. You can use websites such as Google translate or various AI (artificial intelligence) tools to support you.
• This website will help with name pronunciation and don't be afraid to ask the child or young person again until you get it right!

How you can help on Day One

You can help by:

• Creating a supportive and inclusive environment
• Using visual aids, simplified English, and encouraging peer interaction
• Recognising and valuing their home language and culture

What support is available? 

National

There are two national organisations which are a great as a first port of call for evidence informed advice, training and guidance:

Bell Foundation

Bell Foundation has various blogs and resources to support you.

NALDIC

NALDIC -  the national subject association for EAL - has a great advice for settling in new arrivals.

Norfolk

EAL / EDC Advisory Service

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.

We also have several other EAL One Minute Guides which you may find helpful:

• EAL - English as an additional language 
• EAL - Admission and transition best practices to support EAL children and young people and their families
• EAL - How to increase family engagement for families with EAL
• Young Interpreters Scheme 
• Refugee and asylum-seeking children or young people

If you are looking for more in-depth support for children and young people with EAL, then please explore our English as an additional language (EAL) toolkit.

In addition we have a Bitesize Briefing to help you which you may find useful.

Key contacts

Interpretation services can be accessed through INTRAN.