Supporting EAL Learners at St John’s

At St. Thomas More we value and celebrate the rich diversity of cultures, languages, and religions represented within our school community and the wider world. We work closely with pupils and their parents/carers to ensure that every child can fully engage in their education, make strong academic progress, and grow as confident, independent learners.

What is EAL?

English as an Additional Language (EAL) refers to pupils whose first language is not English. This includes:

• New arrivals to the UK whose first language is not English

• Children who have lived in the UK for some time and may appear fluent in English but continue to use another language at home

• Children born in the UK whose home language is not English

• Simultaneous bilinguals, who have been learning two or more languages from birth

We celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity that EAL learners bring to our school. Tailored support helps every child build confidence, develop fluency, and achieve success in both their learning and personal growth.

How We Support EAL Learners

At St Thomas More School, we use quality-first teaching to ensure all pupils can fully access the curriculum. Support is carefully differentiated and scaffolded, using strategies such as:

• Pre-teaching key texts to introduce new vocabulary and familiarise children with stories

• Using visual aids, including vocabulary mats and glossaries

• Providing practical, engaging activities that encourage discussion and language use

These approaches help all learners deepen their understanding, develop confidence, and thrive academically and personally.