PSS work with educational settings to:

Share current  perspectives and definitions of EAL

Promote a shared understanding of the needs of EAL learners

Support the identification of language needs of EAL learners

Signpost sources of information

Provide advice on classroom strategies

Advise on adapting classroom practice, approaches and access strategies,  waves of intervention and ‘EAL friendly’ learning environments

Reflect on and improve current practice

Identify pupils strengths and areas for development
Packages of Support

Raising Awareness– (school-based) – 1 hour twilight session for schools, focusing on identification of need, EAL vs SEN, stages of language acquisition, and includes generic strategies to support learning in the classroom.

Supporting Newly Arrived Learners- (school-based) – two twilights or half day session for settings where the raising awareness package has not already been delivered.  This training focuses on identification of need, EAL vs SEN, stages of language acquisition, and also includes specific strategies to support reading, writing and language development in the classroom.  This will also include materials to support the school with the induction of newly arrived pupils, initial identification of needs and top tips for staff on good practice. Where schools have previously had the raising awareness training delivered in school, a bespoke training package focusing on practical strategies to support EAL learners can be delivered. EAL Co-ordinator Training – this is a centre based course

Training for EAL Co-ordinators in developing their role(centre-based) – full day session to familiarise EAL Co-ordinators with the process of identification, assessment and tracking. This will include support on induction, identification of EAL and the pupil’s primary needs, using assessments to support initial language targets and tracking progress. There will also be generic strategies for supporting speaking and listening, reading and writing. Course participants will also be provided with the PSS EAL Toolkit at a reduced price.

 

The outcomes of PSS involvement:

Increased staff confidence to support pupils

Increased awareness of EAL learners needs

Knowledge of a range of practical strategies

Developing and embedding EAL friendly practice

Removal of barriers to learning