EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is available for children who speak a language other than English at home. At Woodlands Infant and Nursery School, our aim is to help every child develop their English skills so they can fully access learning, communicate with others and feel happy and confident in school.

When your child starts at Woodlands Infant and Nursery School, we make sure they feel welcome, safe and well supported from the very beginning.

We use the Bell Foundation approach to help us understand how children learn English as an Additional Language and ensure they receive the right support to succeed. We carry out an initial assessment, which includes looking at your child's foundational knowledge in phonics, writing and maths, as well as their language needs.

How we support children with EAL

We provide tailored support within the classroom and, where appropriate, in small groups. This may include:

• Developing speaking and listening skills.
• Supporting children's reading and writing.
• Using pictures, visuals, gestures and objects to aid understanding.
• Teaching and reinforcing key vocabulary linked to classroom learning.
• Using stories, songs, games and conversations to develop language.
• Providing a Language Buddy, usually an older child who speaks the same language, to help children feel supported.
• Valuing and celebrating children's home languages and cultures.
• Working closely with parents and carers to support language development.

We are also happy to translate information for families where needed.

We recognise that speaking more than one language is a strength, and we celebrate the many different languages and cultures represented within our Woodlands community.