EAL

At East Hunsbury Primary School, we do everything we can to ensure that children with English as an Additional Language feel a strong sense of belonging and that any barriers to learning are removed or narrowed. Every child deserves full access to our curriculum and we work hard to make that happen.

We see multilingualism as a superpower. Children who speak more than one language bring incredible strengths to our community - from enhanced cognitive skills to cultural richness - and we celebrate this diversity.

Click below for our New to School Induction Toolkit, which outlines how we ensure smooth starts for all pupils, including those with EAL.

New to School Induction Toolkit

 

How We Assess and Support EAL Learners

We use the Department for Education (DfE) English Proficiency Scales, a five-point scale (A–E), to assess the English language proficiency of pupils with EAL as a starting baseline. This is our core tracking tool. For some children assessed at Band A or B, we may also use the Bell Foundation EAL Assessment Framework to set small-step progressive targets.

For most children, once an initial assessment is complete, our inclusive-by-design curriculum, adaptive teaching and graduated approach ensure their needs are met. This includes:

  • Ongoing formative assessment in lessons (mini whiteboard responses, partner talk, exit questions)

  • Checking subject-specific vocabulary and ability to articulate learning

  • Tracking whether pupils can access content with reasonable scaffolds

 

Working with Families

We keep parents informed every step of the way and use interpreters when needed to ensure clear communication.

Click here to read our New to English and Early Language Acquisition

This resource supports children who are new to English and those at early stages of language acquisition (including EYFS and SEND). It focuses on high-frequency words and everyday vocabulary that children need to navigate school life confidently - including nouns, verbs, directional language, emotions and routines.

We also have a dedicated member of staff who oversees the induction and assessment of children with EAL, ensuring that every child feels supported and every family feels included.