English as an Additional Language

Here at Moonstone we will celebrate all languages ensuring all children feel apart and their achievements are recognised without the reliance of their proficiency in English. 

Within the new EYFS, Ofsted reminds us that “...Language is central to our sense of identity and belonging to a community. The profile recognises and values linguistic diversity.

The communication skills of children for whom English is not their home language will vary. However, learning English as an additional language (EAL) is not a special educational need.

Children will be at different stages of learning English and one or more other languages. Practitioners need to find out as much as they can about a child’s prior language experience and any education they have received elsewhere. Parents as the first educators are an important source of information.

Practitioners may need to help parents understand that a child’s home language development will help them learn English. Parents also need to know that it is perfectly acceptable, even desirable, for the child’s home language to be used in the setting.”