English as an Additional Language (EAL)

St. Anne’s is very much a multi-lingual nursery! At any given time, a significant number of our children are learning English as an additional language.

A specialist language development practitioner works with our EAL children and helps to support their particular needs.

The practitioner works closely with the class team as well as with other professionals who may be working with the child. Individual learning objectives are set collaboratively and reviewed each term. From these, staff are able to plan and implement activities and experiences which not only encourage the development of English but also support the child’s home language.

The child’s level of English language competency is assessed termly and updated accordingly. Ongoing records sent to primary schools show that language development support was provided at St. Anne’s and indicate the language level attained.

The practitioner works closely with parents and carers to produce books, story tapes, classroom signs and labels which reflect the range of home languages of our children. We hold a weekly bi-lingual book borrowing club so that children can share familiar stories with their families in their home language. Parallel reading sessions are a popular feature of our bi-lingual book club.