Identify which pupils have EAL and assess their needs
Use our other article to understand the definition of EAL, and how to record the language(s) a pupil speaks.
Remember that pupils with English as an additional language (EAL):
- Will have a wide variety of needs
- Will have strengths and weaknesses in different skills.
- Might speak English fluently (i.e. be bilingual, speaking a non-English language at home)
Have an initial meeting with the parents or carers
Use an interpreter if necessary. This is important to understand the pupil’s starting point and context, and to get to know them as an individual.
Personality – for example, whether they are normally shy or outspoken Proficiency in their native language, and whether they have any issues with articulation or fluency Educational background, including whether they have attended school before and whether they may have an existing special educational need or disability (SEND) Experience