Reflecting on our EAL conversations with you in Autumn 2022, we’ve put together some FAQs with concrete ideas for you to develop different aspects of effective EAL provision in your school or setting – for the benefit of EAL pupils and their families. It’s always great to hear from you; please get in touch to share aspects of or questions about your EAL journey!


FAQ 1: How can we share key information about our school with newly arrived parents/carers?

Answer: Create a Welcome Pack of essential information to share as part of the induction process. Read one school’s approach and access a free resource here

FAQ 2: We’ve welcomed Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) to our school recently – how do we know if we’re following best practice?

A: Check out recommended actions for both SLT and teachers, as well as a suggested Induction Pathway for the first 6 weeks in school, in our free guidance documents here

FAQ 3 : Our EAL pupils seem to have picked up survival English quickly – but how can we develop the academic language they need to succeed in lessons?

A: Register for our Better Bilingual EAL Network Meeting on Wed 25th Jan (4-5pm, online) to hear from guest speaker, Dr Robert Sharples, and discuss approaches with other teachers and leaders. Email info@betterbilingual.co.uk to secure your place.

FAQ 4: Our staff are asking for EAL training – what’s available?

A: Better Bilingual offers a range of centrally provided and bespoke training (with virtual and face-to-face options) on a variety of topics, including the following:

BB01 Meeting the pastoral needs of Refugees & Asylum Seekers
BB02 Welcoming & teaching New to English Learners
BB03 Enhancing provision for Advanced Bilingual Learners
BB04 Distinguishing between EAL & SEND and planning provision
BB05 Ensuring the effectiveness of your EAL Assessment Framework
BB06 Evaluating the impact of your EAL Policy across the curriculum
BB07 Reviewing your New Arrivals Induction and Assessment Policy
BB08 Reviewing the curriculum for EDI: ethnicity and multilingualism

You may wish to select training based on your role. We offer sessions tailored specifically to:

  • Teaching Assistants
  • Class and subject teachers
  • EAL Leads/Middle Leads/Subject Leads
  • Senior Leadership Teams

Keep an eye on our What’s New page and email us directly at info@betterbilingual.co.uk to discuss your requirements further.

FAQ 5: I’m the newly appointed EAL Lead in my school – where do I start?

A: Reflect on who your EAL learners are and what provision is currently in place through a Scoping Meeting with Better Bilingual to identify EAL priorities and pathways of support. Request details of the next scheduled EAL Champions course via info@betterbilingual.co.uk to upskill yourself in the six key areas relating to EAL provision.

FAQ 6: As an SLT, we want to better understand our statutory responsibilities around EAL – where can we (and our governors) go for help?

A: Effective EAL provision is impossible to achieve without ‘buy-in’ and ongoing involvement from the Senior Leadership Team; training for governors is also essential so they can provide support and challenge for school leaders. For further information on our upcoming flagship event for SLT and governors, email info@betterbilingual.co.uk – and if you’d like to showcase good practice, let us know!

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