English as an additional language (EAL)

What you need to know

1. EAL is not the same as SEND. A child can be learning English without having a special educational need. School should consider language experience before treating a difficulty as SEND.
2. Tell school the whole story. Share the languages your child understands, reads and writes, previous schooling, interrupted education and what they already know in each subject.
3. Understanding often comes before speaking. A quiet period can be normal. Visuals, routines, modelling and a supportive peer help children join in while language grows.
4. Home language is an asset. Keep rich conversations, stories and reading at home. Concepts learned in one language can transfer to another.

How to help at home

Read in both languages

Talk about the story in the language that lets your child think most deeply.

Preview school words

Before a topic, look at a few pictures and key words, then revisit them after the lesson.

Use everyday English

Signs, recipes, bus times and shopping lists give useful language a real purpose.

Ask for an interpreter

For important school meetings, ask whether spoken or written language support is available.

Questions parents ask

Should we speak only English at home?

No. Use the language in which your family can communicate warmly and in detail. Add English practice without replacing the home language.

Will my child's accent be a problem?

An accent is not an error. The goal is clear communication and growing understanding, not sounding like one particular speaker.

How do I know if a difficulty is more than EAL?

Ask how your child communicates and learns in every language and setting. Persistent concerns across languages should be discussed with the teacher and SENCO.