English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Howard Partnership Trust respects and values linguistic diversity. Pupils and staff have an entitlement to know that their natural language is valued by the whole school community. Our schools are fully committed to making appropriate provision of teaching and resources for pupils for whom English is an additional language and for raising the achievement of ethnic minority pupils and young people who are at risk from underachievement and for ensuring they achieve the highest possible standards, as we do for all. Our schools robustly identify individual pupil’s needs, recognise and value the unique skills they bring to school and ensure equality of access to the curriculum. 

Pupils for whom English is an additional language may have diverse needs in terms of the support they need to improve their English language learning. Our schools provide individual curriculum planning taking into account the pupil’s age, length of time in this country, previous educational experience and skills in other languages. Monitoring the progress of their language development is routinely embedded. Targeted specialist support will be immediately sought should additional learning or pastoral needs be identified.

Our schools are acutely aware of the importance of understanding the cultural background and family circumstances of pupils with EAL. With discussion we seek to provide additional support for parents and carers where possible e.g. in the use of interpreters alongside utilising technology to support understanding of documentation. We would consider carefully and apply sensitive handling of meetings with external agencies.