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    • EAL

    Cheetwood Primary School is a linguistically and culturally diverse community. We welcome pupils who speak English as an additional language and support them to participate fully in learning and school life while developing confidence and proficiency in English.

    Our approach to EAL is inclusive and responsive. Support is primarily delivered within the classroom, alongside peers, and is shaped by pupils’ individual language needs and experiences.

     

    Induction and Understanding Need

    When a pupil joins Cheetwood with English as an additional language, we place strong emphasis on gathering accurate information to support effective planning.

    This may include:

    • Induction meetings with parents and carers to gather information about home language, prior schooling and experiences
    • Consideration of pupils’ strengths, interests and communication needs
    • Use of interpreters for meetings, where needed, to support clear communication

    This information helps staff to plan appropriate classroom strategies and support from the outset.

     

    Assessment and Review

    Assessment for pupils with EAL focusses on understanding language development and access to learning.

    This may include:

    • Teacher assessment and observation within the classroom
    • Monitoring of pupils’ understanding, speaking, listening, reading and writing
    • Use of language screening tools where appropriate
    • Ongoing review of progress over time

    Assessment information is used to inform classroom practice and any additional support needed.

     

    EAL Support at Cheetwood

    EAL support is inclusive and primarily delivered within the classroom through high-quality teaching and adapted strategies. Support may include:

    • Quality First Teaching with adaptations, including clear modelling, repetition and visual support
    • Use of Widgit symbols to support understanding and communication
    • Visual supports, including next boards and visual timetables, to support routines and expectations
    • Structured language approaches such as Colourful Semantics, where appropriate
    • Access to digital language resources, including the Twinkl EAL programme
    • Targeted small-group or individual language support where appropriate

    Support is reviewed regularly and adapted as pupils’ confidence and language skills develop.

     

    Working with Families and External Support

    We recognise the importance of strong home–school partnerships. Clear communication with families is central to our EAL provision.

    Where appropriate, advice from external professionals may be sought to support pupils’ language development. Guidance is used to inform classroom practice and school-based support, which is delivered and monitored by school staff.

     

    Leadership and Contact

    EAL provision at Cheetwood Primary School is co-ordinated by the Inclusion Team, led by:

    Clair Walklett
    Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion

    Parents and carers are encouraged to speak to their child’s class teacher in the first instance. Further advice or support can be accessed by contacting the Inclusion Team via:

    inclusion@cheetwood.manchester.sch.uk or by arranging a meeting through the school office.