Learners with English as an additional language (EAL) are not a homogeneous group. Some learners with EAL may be new to English, some may have achieved social, but not academic fluency and some may be advanced bilingual learners.

Complex factors such as language development in English and the first language(s), the pupil’s experience of working in more than one language, their culture, ethnicity, previous educational history and socio-economic status, will all form part of their experience and their learning journey. 

Support and resources

The EMA network offers advice and guidance to schools and settings wishing to develop their provision for pupils with English as an additional language. The following guidance may also be helpful:

• Grammar and EAL
• Induction and support for newly arrived EAL pupils
• Key visuals
• Learning support for newly arrived EAL pupils
• Supporting EAL
• Assessment of newly arrived EAL pupils
• Guidance on EAL and SEND - identification and assessment
• Maths guidance for EAL learners
• Unlocking Non-fiction text
• Using first language to support learning

EMA Network resource centre

A wide range of bilingual and cultural resources are available for loan/borrowing from the EMA Network's resource centre based at Romans Field School in Bletchley. Contact the team for more information about content and opening hours.