Our school is proud to be a wide and richly diverse community, shaped by the experiences, cultures and languages of the families we serve. With over 40 different home languages spoken across our school, linguistic diversity is not an exception here – it is one of our greatest strengths.
In recent years, we have had the privilege and responsibility of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers from the Dunchurch Park Hotel into our community. Many of these children arrive with only a very basic grasp of the English language, often having experienced significant disruption, trauma or displacement. For them, learning English is not simply an academic goal; it is a vital gateway to communication, confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.
Supporting learners with English as an Additional Language (EAL) is therefore central to our values as a school. We recognise that language is key to accessing the curriculum, expressing ideas and emotions, and building positive relationships. Through targeted support, inclusive classroom practices and a nurturing environment, we aim to ensure that EAL learners feel safe, understood and empowered to succeed.
We also celebrate the cultural and linguistic richness that EAL learners bring to our school. Their languages, traditions and perspectives enrich classroom learning and help all pupils develop empathy, global awareness and respect for difference. By valuing every child’s identity and providing the support they need to thrive, we are building a school community where diversity is celebrated and everyone is given the opportunity to flourish.
Our work with EAL learners is led by Laura Caldas-Gonzalez, our dedicated EAL Lead. Laura works closely with pupils, families and staff to ensure that children who are new to English receive the tailored support they need to settle quickly, develop their language skills and access the full curriculum. Her leadership helps ensure that our approach to EAL is inclusive, compassionate and responsive to the diverse needs of our school community.
