EAL is not a special need, but a small number of children with EAL also have special needs. If a pupil is suspected of having learning difficulties or delay, liaise with the SENCO to gather and consider information pertaining to:
– Have EAL strategies been used in teaching and tasks?
– What is the level of first language competency?
– Low levels of fluency in the first language as well as slow progress in English can indicate SEND.
– Are there background circumstances which may be affecting progress?
– Are there any medical needs which have been missed?
The materials below will guide you through this process:A B-R
Lambeth Mother Tongue Assessment (for ages 4 – 11) An Initial Screening for SEN in Primary-aged EAL children
Another excellent MTA pack written in 2012 by Angelika Baxter, EMA Adviser for Mid-South Essex for use from EYFS through Keystage 4
And Hertfordshire LA Flag Guidelines