Tools for Schools
English as an Additional Language (EAL) – Advice for parents
Key priorities for parents of EAL children:
- It is very important to continue to speak in your home language
- Get involved in school life
- Support your child with homework
- Work to improve your English
For more information see the links below:
A short, easy to understand guide for parents of pupils who use English as an Additional Language to get involved in school life and help their child to learn.
Available in the 11 most commonly used first languages in UK schools – Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Chinese, English, Gujurati, Lithuanian, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Somali, Urdu
The Bell Foundation – ‘Guidance for parents of pupils who use English as an Additional Language’
For Primary Age Children: Advice for parents to help them help their child learn English Games and activities for children to engage with to learn English
British Council Learn English Kids
For Secondary Age Children: To help pupils improve their reading, writing and listening practice in English through grammar and vocabulary exercises, games and videos.
Plus tips for exams and the opportunity to interact with other teenagers from all around the world
British Council Learn English Teens
For parents, looking to improve their own English:
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). ESOL are English language courses for new residents in the UK:
- For UK advice, see British Council Learn English
- For courses in West Sussex, see Aspire
Learning at home
EMTAS have made a series of videos aimed at parents and carers of EAL children. These videos provide advice and suggest strategies for parents and carers who are supporting their EAL child’s learning at home.
There is a version aimed at parents of primary school children and a version for parents of secondary school children:
How EAL Parents Can Support Home Learning
The videos have been recorded in several different languages.
Last updated 30 January 2023