Definitions On the school census Your school leaders will need to record which pupils have EAL on the yearly census, so they can attract funding. For the purposes of the school census, a pupil's first language is not English when the pupil: Has been exposed to a language other than English during early development Continues to be exposed to this language in the home or in the community This is set out in official school census guidance - see "Language code [used for funding]". On internal records Building up an EAL profile for pupils can help your school to provide the most appropriate support. For this reason, your school may also record different categories of EAL to better reflect pupils' abilities (rather than having a 'yes/no' definition). For example, even pupils who seem to be fluent verbally in English may need additional support in other areas, such as reading and writing. As well as knowing pupils' first language, understanding pupils'
EAL: role of the link governor
Understand your role as a link governor for English as an additional language (EAL) in your school. Find out how to monitor provision for pupils with EAL, so you can confidently hold your school leaders to account.
Last reviewed on 1 August 2023
- What is EAL?
- Work closely with your EAL lead
- Be the board's specialist
- How to monitor EAL
- Questions to ask