We want St Wilfrid’s to be a welcoming place for all and with this in mind we have collated some resources that families may find useful to support them where English is an Additional Language (EAL).
In school, we are able to seek advice and support for families and children where English is an Additional Language from EMTAS (Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service).
The links below are a selection of online resources where our families could also find support and if you would like support to access local services then please speak to the school office.
The Bell Foundation
This link explains how the English Education system works. The Bell Foundation is also a great source of information on many education aspects.
https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/eal-programme/guidance/parental-involvement/
“Through generating and applying evidence, The Bell Foundation aims to improve policy, practice and systems to enable children, adults and communities in the UK that speak English as an Additional Language (EAL) to overcome disadvantage through language education.”
Duolingo
“We believe that anyone can learn a language with Duolingo. Our free, bite-size lessons feel more like a game than a textbook, and that's by design: Learning is easier when you're having fun.
But Duolingo isn't just a game. It's based on a methodology proven to foster long-term retention, and a curriculum aligned to an international standard. Let's explore how language learning happens with Duolingo!”
The Citizens Advice Bureau
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
“We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
Our national charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.”
Friends, Families and Travellers
https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/
“We are the only national charity that works on behalf of all Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities regardless of ethnicity, culture or background.
In all areas of our work, we support individuals and communities experiencing disadvantage and inequalities, with the issues that matter most to them. At the same time, we work to transform the systems and institutions which cause structural inequalities and disadvantages to exist in the first place.”
Refugees Welcome
https://refugeeswelcomecrawley.co.uk/
“We offer practical support, befriending and help with integrating into the community through English language groups and social events. We help to provide household goods and other necessities for newly settled refugees and other vulnerable migrants in need."
The Hummingbird Project
https://www.hummingbirdproject.org.uk/support-advocacy-refugees.html
“We offer specialist casework support, working intensively with young refugees in Sussex.
Our 1:1 work focuses on supporting young people to be well and be heard.
We work with young people on the practical support around issues affecting their well-being and connect them to appropriate mental health and other specialist services, advocacy around their asylum claim and other issues such as support with benefits, education and social development.”
The Eastern European Resource Centre
“East European Resource Centre is a charity that provides information, advice and support to people from Central and Eastern Europe from the 2004 and 2007 EU accession countries: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.”