EAL

Pupils and teacher outside

                    St Andrew the Apostle School EAL                                                       Information 2024

What does EAL stand for? 

EAL stands for English as Additional Language; Students are classified as EAL if the language of their home is different from to the language in which they are taught, i.e. English.  

EAL vs SEND 

A student does not have a learning difficulty solely because the language of their home is different from to the language in which they will be taught. Students with identified EAL needs will have their individual needs evaluated and met in exactly the same way as every other individual in the cohort. 

 How are EAL students supported at school? 

Depending on the level of need students may have access to specialist EAL support using technology, support from qualified teachers and from support staff. More advanced learners of English will have continuing support in class in line with their varying needs as they develop competencies over time. 

 What kind of support do EAL students have at STA? 

We recognise that features of good EAL practice include: 

  • providing specialist support for newer arrivals 
  • providing continuing support for more advanced learners 
  • monitoring EAL attainment and progress 
  • assessing learners’ proficiency and literacy in their first language and establishing what prior subject knowledge and experience they have in other subjects 
  • providing training for staff on the needs of EAL learner