Parents and carers might not be aware of the laws of the United Kingdom and how these relate to their family.  It is important to ensure they understand the laws relating to education including: 

• The right to a free school place between the ages of 5 and 16.
• Education is compulsory in the UK and children must attend every day and on time unless they are ill.
• Holidays during term time are not allowed but in exceptional circumstances a school may give special permission.
• The right of children to be in a safe environment where they can learn and to be protected from harm.
• The education setting’s duty to help if they think a child is being harmed, abused or not looked after.
• The right to withdraw children from collective worship or religious education.

The Equality Act sets out nine protected characteristics including race and religion and belief. All staff should be familiar with the Equality Act and understand how it relates to their role in school.

It is important to establish the best form of communication as early as possible, both for emergency contact and also for more routine information.  It is worth considering a range of means including letter, email, text, face to face, Skype, WhatsApp or social media.  Use of technology may give parents and carers easier access to translation services..

All parents and carers should be given the opportunity to get involved in school life and it is important to consider how parents and carers of EAL children are made aware and welcomed to be part of regular school activities such as parents’ meetings and consultations; celebrations, concerts, and assemblies;  Parent Teacher Association and Governing bodies.  To support inclusion, it may be necessary to provide interpreters for parents and carers.

To help parents and carers and their children feel part of the school it is worth considering asking parents and carers to come in to school to share aspects of their culture or heritage. This helps to promote tolerance and respect between different members of the school community.

Parents and carers interactions with education settings will vary depending on their experiences in their own country. For some, school will have taken the lead on education and therefore being involved maybe a new experience.  Below are some ideas to share with parents about ways they can support their child’s learning: -

• Talk about topics studied in the home language.
• Use bilingual dictionary or a translation device/app.
• Write new words in English and/or first language to help them remember them.
• Use visual aids such as pictures and objects.
• Use play as a way to promote learning.
• Involve children in everyday activities to help learning of basic skills e.g. handling money in shops.
• Give children time and praise their achievements.
• Share books and stories in home language as this promotes an enjoyment of reading.

Some parents and carers will believe their child should speak English all the time in order to improve however, research proves that making progress in the home language supports the learning of a second language.

Whilst continuing to use the home language is important many parents will want to improve their own English. It is useful if you can provide information on where in the local area they might be able to access classes and support with this.

Useful Websites

ESOL Nexus is a free website for people living in the UK to improve English and understand more about UK life and work -

Learn English is a free website with games, stories, listening activities and grammar exercises

BBC Learning English is a free website where you can practice and improve your English

SENIS, The Riverway Centre, Riverway, Stafford, ST16 3TH

Telephone: 0333 300 1900

Email: enquiries@entrust-ed.co.uk