English as an additional language
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English as an additional language (EAL) is the expression used in the UK to refer to the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. The term bilingual is also commonly used to describe EAL pupils.
A newly arrived EAL pupil is assumed to have very little or no English at all. An advanced learner is one whose social English is fluent but who still needs support to develop their cognitive and academic language proficiency.
EAL learners in Northumberland
Many of the EAL pupils in Northumberland are isolated bilingual learners. That means that they are learners whose first language is not English and who are learning in schools and settings where few (if any) of the other pupils share their first language. These learners are not a homogenous group but have different linguistic, educational, ethnic, religious, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
EAL pupils require specific support and have the same entitlement to an inclusive education as any other child learning in a school setting.
Local Authority support to schools with EAL pupils
Currently we are able to offer one to one tuition or classroom support from the EAL Progress Coach. To benefit from this service please contact us.
Bilingual resources
Bilingual texts are available from the library at Hepscott Park.
Language services
itl is a North East-based provider of interpreting and translating services with highly skilled translators, interpreters and bilingual teachers or teaching assistants who all comply with the Criminal Records Bureau assessments to enable them to work with young or vulnerable people. They are all obliged to sign confidentiality agreements to ensure the highest levels of professional service.
Services can be provided in 83 different languages from Arabic to Zulu, and itl has a proven track record in the public sector including clients such as Job CentrePlus, crown courts and the Olympics 2012.
Schools should contact itl directly on 0191 421 2221, or e-mail info@interpretingline.co.uk
The Local Authority is not able to make a contribution towards the cost of these services.
Useful links
- Aiming High: meeting the needs of newly arrived learners of English as an additional language (EAL)
- New Arrivals Excellence Programme (DCSF)
- Extensive guidance on the EAL area of the National Strategies website
- Frequently asked questions about EAL (DCSF)
- Suggestions for tracking pupil progress
Ofsted requirements
The Ofsted document Inspecting English as an additional language, guidance for section 5 inspectors, can be downloaded to print here.
