English as an additional language (EAL) for Early Years
Top tips for partnership with parents
- Encourage parents to continue to speak to their child in their first language as this will help the child to learn English
- Time is very important when supporting parents to settle their child into a new environment - remember to allow extra time
- Parents understanding of English may be better than their spoken language
- Remember that gesture is a powerful form of communication
- Ensure communication with parents reflects their child's learning, friendships their children are making, strengths and areas of learning parents can promote at home
- Spend time finding out about the child's home background and experiences
- Use photographs to share experiences
- Invite parents into the setting to develop an understanding of activities and routines
- Ask parents to provide a few key words and phrases in their first language and pictures or artefacts from the country of origin