At Halstead Community Primary School, we are proud of the different languages, cultures and experiences that children and families bring to our school. We recognise multilingualism as a strength and value the important role a child’s first or home language plays in their learning, identity and family life.

Supporting children to learn English

Children who use English as an Additional Language (EAL) are not one single group. Some children join us with little or no English, while others speak English confidently in everyday situations but may need support with the increasingly complex vocabulary and language used across the curriculum.

We therefore look carefully at each child’s individual starting point. Teachers consider their understanding and use of English alongside their age, previous education, home language and wider knowledge and skills. This helps us distinguish between a child who is still acquiring English and a child who may have an additional learning need.

Where support is needed, it is carefully matched to the child. This may include visual resources, modelling and repetition of language, pre-teaching key vocabulary, opportunities to rehearse spoken English, supportive peer interaction and additional individual or small-group work.

Our aim is not simply for children to become confident speakers of everyday English. We also help them develop the academic language and vocabulary they need to understand new ideas, explain their thinking, read with understanding and express themselves successfully across the curriculum.

Valuing home languages

We encourage families to continue speaking, reading and sharing stories in their home language. A secure first language provides an important foundation for learning additional languages, and children should feel proud of all the languages they can use.

We also recognise that a child who is new to English may understand far more than they are initially able or willing to say. Children are given time, encouragement and plenty of opportunities to listen, observe, communicate and develop confidence without unnecessary pressure.

Working with families

Good communication with families is particularly important when a child is learning English. We want parents and carers to feel able to share information, ask questions and take an active part in their child’s education. Where appropriate, we will consider how information can be made more accessible so that language does not become a barrier to working together.

As children’s confidence and proficiency in English develop, we continue to monitor their progress and adapt support so that they can become increasingly independent learners.

At Halstead, we want children to see knowing more than one language for what it is: something to value, develop and be proud of.