At Queen Eleanor Academy, we are proud to be a diverse and inclusive community where many of our pupils speak English as an Additional Language (EAL). We see multilingualism as a strength and a powerful part of our school’s identity. Our EAL learners enrich our community every day, and we are committed to ensuring that they feel fully welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Rooted in our core values of Ambition, Equity, and Opportunity, our EAL provision is built on the belief that language should never be a barrier to learning or belonging. Every child at Queen Eleanor is entitled to a rich, ambitious education — and we work carefully to make sure that EAL pupils receive what they need, when they need it, in a way that helps them flourish.

Tailored, Stage-Not-Age Support

We know that EAL learners arrive with a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and levels of English proficiency. Our approach is informed by robust baseline assessments to determine each child’s language and literacy starting point. This ensures we design provision that is stage-appropriate, not age-dependent — allowing pupils to make meaningful progress at a pace that’s right for them.

We offer:

• In-class support and scaffolding to ensure full access to the curriculum
• Targeted interventions and pre-teaching, particularly in vocabulary, reading, and spoken language
• Access to Reading Plus, an adaptive online reading platform that accelerates reading fluency, vocabulary acquisition, and comprehension — essential for closing language gaps quickly and effectively
• A language-rich learning environment that builds oracy, confidence, and communication

We support our pupils to develop both academic English and social fluency, helping them thrive both in the classroom and beyond.

Supporting the Whole Family

We recognise that supporting EAL pupils also means supporting their families. Settling into a new education system — and in some cases a new country — can be daunting. That’s why we are committed to working in partnership with families every step of the way.

We provide:

• Support with completing forms and navigating systems, from admissions to school meals to wider services
• Guidance to help families integrate into school life and the wider culture of Great Britain
• Translated materials and, where possible, interpreting support
• Regular opportunities to visit school, observe learning, and feel part of our community
• A warm, welcoming ethos that ensures every parent feels they belong

We want all families to feel confident, informed, and valued — because it is in partnership that children achieve their very best.

A Celebration of Culture and Identity

At Queen Eleanor, we don’t just acknowledge different cultures — we celebrate them. We believe that our pupils' heritages are not something to overcome, but something to honour. Our curriculum, displays, events and assemblies are designed to reflect the rich cultural fabric of our school, and we regularly create opportunities for pupils to:

• Share their languages, traditions and stories
• See themselves represented in the curriculum and school environment
• Take pride in their backgrounds while growing their confidence in English

By celebrating difference and promoting mutual respect, we build a stronger, more connected school community.

Ambition, Equity, Opportunity — For Every Learner

Being an EAL learner is not a disadvantage — it is a unique perspective, a set of skills, and a pathway to academic and personal growth. At Queen Eleanor Academy, we set high expectations for all our pupils, and we work tirelessly to ensure that language is a bridge, not a barrier.

We are proud of our EAL learners — their achievements, their resilience, and the unique contributions they make to our school every day.