Data is key to developing effective education provision. But there is currently limited accurate national data on adults who need to learn English and their levels of proficiency. A marker should be added to the data collected by FE providers to better track learners’ needs: https://bit.ly/3UaSio9

The majority of future teachers will work in multilingual classrooms. Yet only 37% of early career teachers report that their training prepared them well for teaching #EAL pupils. Effective teacher training is urgently needed to generate and maintain EAL expertise in schools: https://bit.ly/4nSDEje

Many speakers of English as a second language have skills and experience that are unutilised due to language barriers.
Investment in effective #ESOL provision is key to unlocking this potential. Discover our calls to turn this potential into reality: https://bit.ly/3UaSio9

@hughesdavid.bsky.social

#Oracy is important for success in education and later in life.
For all pupils to benefit however, the specific needs of #EAL pupils must be considered.
Teachers must provide learners with a structured approach that exposes them to language and builds their confidence: https://bit.ly/4nSDEje

This #EuropeanDayofLanguages we celebrate the incredible linguistic diversity in schools.

Multilingual classrooms are the norm and our interactive story features experts, teachers, and learners who unpack the myths and opportunities around learning English, and what must change: bit.ly/eal-story

How do we bridge the skills gap? Speakers of English as a second language could be the answer, with many having skills going unrecognised due to language barriers. Accessible #ESOL provision is key to unlocking this potential and must be prioritised by Skills England: https://bit.ly/3UaSio9

The school national funding formula must appropriately recognise the support needs of EAL pupils. While EAL is one of the additional needs factors in the formula, since 2017 the factor has increased at half the rate of funding for other pupils and isn’t ringfenced. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4nSDEje

#ESOL is in need of reform.
Explore our calls for the development of a new set of ESOL standards and qualifications to support effective language learning and provide learners with the tools they need to thrive: https://bit.ly/3UaSio9

The curriculum review is an important opportunity to reform a system that often fails to support EAL learners effectively.
We’re calling for more flexibility around learning and assessment, to support EAL students to learn English, and access the curriculum through English: https://bit.ly/4nSDEje

Demand for #ESOL is rising, but many struggle to access provision in their area. Whilst funding has been slashed, in some areas a flexible use of funding has enabled ESOL provision to reach those who need it and meet local demand. Learn more: bit.ly/3UaSio9

#EAL pupils’ English proficiency = biggest achievement predictor at school. It explains 4-6 times as much variation in attainment as gender, FSM and ethnicity combined. Assessment of proficiency is key to effective classroom support and should be reintroduced in England: bit.ly/4nSDEje

How can we make #ESOL more accessible to employees who speak English as a second language? For those working long hours or shifts, ESOL in the workplace could be a gamechanger, opening up new opportunities to gain vital language skills. Learn more: bit.ly/3UaSio9

Out of the 1 million people who report not speaking English well or at all, 1/3 are UK citizens. #ESOL can be key to unlocking a wealth of skills. But whilst demand is rising, decimated funding is leaving many struggling to get support they need.
View our calls for change: bit.ly/3UaSio9

Multilingual classrooms are now the norm, with over 1 in 5 pupils speaking #EAL in England. But a policy vacuum, alongside the disappearance of expertise and services, has left learners unsupported and teachers unprepared. We’re calling for urgent changes to plug the gap: bit.ly/4nSDEje