English as an additional language

Children are considered to have English as an additional language (EAL) where another language (or languages) is spoken at home, either as the child’s only language or alongside English.

There are many benefits to children learning multiple languages at an early age, including forming additional brain connections which will have lifelong positive impacts for the child.

English is the main language spoken at our setting. We introduce elements of Spanish and Welsh as these languages are meaningful to my family but we also love learning about other languages and cultures that are important to our Wild Things as well. We also introduce signs from British Sign Language (BSL) and use Sign-Supported English (SSE) throughout our normal day. We introduce words and phrases from other languages through songs and play, and especially on St David’s Day (the patrol saint of Wales) and the National Day of Spain.

All our Wild Things are valued and included for their diverse individuality and uniqueness. If your child speaks a language other than English at home, we will support your child to learn English within our setting, whilst bridging any gaps with words from their home language(s).

We will use visual communication aids, timetables and feelings cards, story and song props and their favourite songs and nursery rhymes from their home language(s). We may ask for your help with these, and have recordable buttons that can be used for short phrases or songs in the home language(s).

Children growing up with two or more languages may speak later than their peers who only speak one language, and may have a period in the setting where they speak only a little or not at all. This is completely normal. Their brains are working hard to learn and understand multiple languages, and to separate them out from each other. We will build your child’s confidence, feelings of inclusion and self-esteem to help them to feel able to use the words they know.

Having EAL is not a Special Educational Need (SEN). Extra support may be needed, but they are not behind. They are learning a valuable skill that will give them huge advantages in later life.