St PetersCE Primary School

At St Peter’s, we are proud of our multicultural community and view the languages, cultures and experiences our children bring as a significant strength. We are committed to ensuring that every pupil who speaks English as an additional language feels welcomed, understood and fully included in school life.

Our approach is rooted in excellent teaching and high expectations. Pupils with EAL access the same broad, ambitious curriculum as their peers from the moment they join us. Teachers remove language barriers through explicit vocabulary instruction, careful modelling, visual support, structured talk and regular checks for understanding. Where necessary, targeted language or phonics support is provided alongside—not instead of—the wider curriculum.

We assess new pupils promptly, recognising the knowledge and skills they may already have in another language. We monitor their acquisition of English, curriculum learning and wider achievement carefully, adapting provision as their needs change. Limited proficiency in English is never viewed as an indication of limited ability.

Families are encouraged to speak, read and share stories in the language they know best. A secure home language strengthens communication, identity and family relationships and provides a valuable foundation for learning additional languages.

Through excellent teaching, thoughtful support and close partnership with families, we aim for pupils with EAL to achieve excellent results, participate confidently and thrive as valued members of our school community.

We want every family to understand and engage fully with school life. Important school communications can be translated into a family’s home language on request, and we will arrange interpretation support for meetings wherever possible. Parents and carers who would benefit from this support are encouraged to contact the school office or speak to a member of staff.