At Discovery Primary Academy, we recognise and value the diversity of our school community. A significant number of our pupils speak English as an Additional Language, with over 43 languages represented across the Academy. The most spoken languages include Lithuanian, Urdu and Polish. We actively promote inclusion and cultural awareness through initiatives such as Speak My Language, where one language spoken by our pupils is celebrated each half-term.

The Academy is committed to ensuring that all EAL learners are fully included and make strong progress academically, socially and emotionally. High-quality teaching, targeted interventions and effective partnerships with families enable pupils to develop confidence and fluency in English while continuing to value and use their home language.

The Academy has a dedicated EAL Lead, Mrs Tapera, who oversees provision for pupils with English as an Additional Language. All pupils, who are new to the Academy, are assessed on entry to identify their stage of English language acquisition. This information is shared with teaching staff to ensure appropriate planning, support and adaptations. The progress of EAL learners is carefully monitored to ensure they make appropriate and sustained progress over time.

Targeted interventions are delivered to support pupils’ language development and acquisition of English, including a Key Stage 2 writing intervention for pupils at the early stages of the English language acquisition. Resources are adapted and developed using Widget tools to support accessibility and ensure a consistent approach across the Academy.

We have a dedicated space for EAL teaching and support. It is resourced with language-based games, dual-language texts and bilingual dictionaries. The use of an interactive board and iPads support engagement and enable pupils to access online translation tools where appropriate.

The Academy also benefits from a group of trained Language Ambassadors who support new arrivals with limited English, assist with translation, and promote cultural understanding across the Academy. Language Ambassadors contribute positively to whole-school events, including assemblies and community celebrations such as the Christmas Fair, Easter and Storytelling events. New multilingual pupils are welcomed by peers who speak their home language, where possible, and they are also supported by positive role models in English.

Useful links

BBC Bitesize – English as an Additional Language

The Bell Foundation – Teaching and Learning strategies. Support at home. 

Learning Village – EAL Literacy Programme. Support for families. 

NALDIC https://naldic.org.uk/