EAL at Wolsey House Primary School

When EAL (English as an Additional Language) children first begin their journey in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), they are at the initial stages of their language learning, acquiring English alongside their home language. During this time, their focus is on building a foundation for social interaction and communication. As they progress through the school years, EAL children experience accelerated growth in both social and academic language skills. With targeted support and exposure to language-rich environments, they develop proficiency at an impressive pace. Notably, EAL children often outperform other pupil groups in key areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics, demonstrating remarkable academic resilience and achievement. In statutory assessments like the Good Level of Development (GLD), Phonics Screening Check, and Key Stage 2 SATs, EAL pupils consistently perform well, highlighting that their language development goes hand in hand with academic success.