Accurate recording of first language data in October census essential to secure EAL funding
Ensure first language data is recorded accurately in October census in order to secure funding for pupils with EAL.
Funding is included in school budgets for pupils with EAL (English as an Additional Language) This funding is paid for three years from a pupil's enrolment in school, after their arrival in the UK and is triggered by first language code data from the October census. It is therefore essential that the correct data is collected and recorded.
To correctly identify pupils with EAL, please ensure that your school is using the following DfE definition:
"A first language, where it is other than English, is recorded where a child was exposed to the language during early development and continues to be exposed to this language in the home or in the community."
Irrespective of their competency in English, a pupil identified as having EAL should have their FIRST language recorded in the census return.
If your data system does not have a comprehensive drop-down list of languages, please contact your provider to correct this. Often a simple update is required.
EAL funding is triggered by first language data in the October census (deadline is Thursday 2 October). Funding is currently £582 (Primary) or £1,560 (Secondary) per child, per year, for the first 3 years after a child's arrival in the UK.
To ensure you receive your full allocation of EAL funding, which can be used to subscribe to essential services such as INTRAN interpretation services, and for NCC to have the correct data regarding languages spoken in Norfolk, please check your census return and avoid using the following categories.
- Information not Obtained
- Believed to be other than English
- Other language
- Other than English
- Believed to be English
For further advice and training on all aspects of EAL provision please visit English as an additional language (EAL) and EAL Now and EAL Next Training courses. For support for individual pupils, please contact the Helpline on 0333 313 7165.
For information on subscribing to INTRAN please contact INTRAN at [email protected].
