English as an Additional Language (EAL) at Havelock Primary School

Like so many schools in the London Borough of Ealing, Havelock Primary School is a multicultural and multilingual school. Over ninety per cent of our children speak English is an additional language and within the school community twenty-two languages are spoken. Many of our children are multilingual, and these linguistic skills contribute to their academic potential. If a child arrives to our school with no English, we have an effective 10-week programme to deliver that provides each child with basic English and a way to communicate. All new arrivals are offered phonics to accelerate their learning and love of reading. In the class, children are allocated a learning buddy to support them during the induction process.

Success. Nothing Less.

Havelock Primary School’s motto underpins its ethos of high expectations for all pupils. Whether a child is a beginner, developing skills in English or consolidating skills, the expectation is that the child will make rapid progress: not only in acquiring English but in learning across the Curriculum. From whatever their starting point, Havelock Primary School’s EAL pupils make good, and often outstanding progress.

Valuing the Languages and Cultures

As a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, we uphold the articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The following articles underpin our EAL Policy and our Admissions and Induction Procedures Policy for pupils with English as an Additional Language:

Article 3 (best interests of the child) The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children.
Article 12 (respect for the views of the child) Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times, for example during immigration proceedings, housing decisions or the child’s day-to-day home life.
Article 13 (freedom of expression) Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law.
Article 29 (goals of education) Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.
Article 30 (children from minority or indigenous groups) Every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family, whether or not they are shared by the majority of the people in the country where they live.

In accordance with these Articles, Havelock Primary School values every child’s language and culture; and it fosters communication in home languages to support a deeper understanding of the learning.

Community

Families who are new to Havelock Primary School value the warm welcome they receive and quickly feel part of its community. They want to take part in all the school provides for their children’s education and attend Parents’ Afternoons, assemblies, curriculum meetings and other events to support their children and the School.