Supporting EAL Students at Mount Stewart Schools Federation

At Mount Stewart Schools Federation, we are dedicated to ensuring all students, including those with English as an Additional Language (EAL), feel supported and thrive in their learning.

Our Approach

1. Targeted Support and Planning:

   • Each new-to-English pupil follows a bespoke two-week induction curriculum to help them transition smoothly and settle into school life.
   • We use the Bell Foundation tracking system to assess and monitor progress, ensuring our EAL provision is both accurate and impactful.

2. Specialist Training and Resources:

   • Our staff receive ongoing training to deliver high-quality EAL support, including use of tools such as Flash Academy and Voice 21 to enhance language acquisition and oracy skills.
   • We are developing expertise within the team, including members who can deliver ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) sessions.

3. Parental Support:

   • A dedicated parent information pack, translated into multiple languages, helps families navigate school processes and access local community resources.
   • Parent workshops and buddy systems further support families in becoming active participants in their child’s education.

4. Well-Being and Inclusivity:

   • We adopt trauma-informed approaches to prioritise the well-being of new arrivals. Our staff emphasize emotional vocabulary and cultural integration to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

5. Future Goals:

   • We aim to establish Mount Stewart as an EAL hub, providing exemplary support for students and sharing best practices with other schools.

Parent Testimonial

"The school has been fantastic with helping my children adjust to their new life in the UK. Now, they speak English confidently, and we truly feel part of the Mount Stewart community." – Mr. & Mrs. Majeed

For more information, s.pond@tmss.org.uk our dedicated EAL Inclusion Champion or contact the school office admin@tmss.org.uk. Together, we ensure every child succeeds.