Speech and Language

Supporting Children Who Speak English as an Additional Language

It can be difficult to tell if a child who speaks English as an additional language (EAL) has speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

It is important to note that learning more than one language does not cause SLCN, and children with EAL are at no greater risk of having SLCN.

Children might typically mix words from both languages, also known as codeswitch, and initially make grammatical errors, for example with past tense.

If a child is new to English, it can take up to two years for them to learn basic language to use in daily conversations and between five to seven years to develop more complex language, for academic purposes.

Therefore, children who have recently entered the country may be monolingual in a 'Language Other Than English (LOTE)' if they have not had sufficient exposure to English. 

Dive Deeper

Identifying SLCN & EAL

We know it can be difficult for settings to identify SLCN in a child where English is an additional language.

Bilingual children do not present with speech, language and communication needs in one language. If a child has language difficulties, they will present in both/all languages spoken. If a child has speech sound difficulties, they will present in both/all languages spoken. Errors noted in English may present differently in their other languages. 

Consider these points when gathering information from parents:

  • Which is the child’s strongest language?
  • Which languages are spoken at home including specific dialects? How much, by whom and in what settings?
  • How much previous exposure has the child had to English?
  • What language does the child mostly communicate in at home?
  • Are there any concerns about the child’s home language e.g. how many words they know or the order they use words in?
  • Have they met their expected developmental milestones?
  • Are they easily understood by others?

What Next?

  • Speech, Language and Communication Needs will present in all languages. 
  • If comparing a bilingual child to developmental norms for monolingual children (e.g. Universally Speaking, WellComm), then you need to add on 6 months. 
  • If a child has successfully acquired their home language then they have the skills to acquire any other language. In this case, a referral to SaLT is not required as the child will be able to learn English with sufficient exposure.

How To Support Children With EAL

In Setting

  • To support a child with EAL, staff should implement good practices and universal strategies. For example ensuring the environment is communication-friendly, using visual support and considering the complexity of their language.
  • Familiarise yourself with the languages and cultures of the children in your class - e.g. learn some common words/vocabulary in the other languages. 
  • Consider putting up dual language signs for key messages to parents. You could also provide multilingual labels for resources used by the children. 
  • Provide resources in their home language e.g. books, toys, bilingual dictionary. 
  • Children learning additional language commonly go through a silent period, where they may say nothing for several months in the new environment. This is a natural process. This should not be confused with a selectively mute child. Involve them in activities and comment on what they are doing. But avoid putting pressure on them to speak. 
  • You can access 'Language Line' a free translation service funded by Norfolk County Council's Early Years and Childcare team. It is for all early years providers in the private, voluntary and independent sectors, including childminders. If you would like to use Language Line, please email csearlyyearsadviceline@norfolk.gov.uk
  • The Bell Foundation provides an assessment framework for EAL children that looks at listening, speaking, reading, and writing. 

Advice For Parents

  • Encourage parents to speak to their children in their home language. Providing a fluent and confident language modelling home language builds firm foundations for learning an additional language e.g. English. 
  • Ask them to consider which languages they would like their child to be able to speak to family and their community. It is important to value and share their culture and traditions. 
  • When talking to parents emphasise that bilingualism is an advantage for a person of any age, regardless of their SLCN. 
  • Find 'Tips for Talking' in other languages e.g. Polish, Romanian, and Portuguese. 
  • Find articles on Developing a Bilingual Household and information about why speaking different languages at home is great for your child. 
  • Find 10 Multilingual Games to play with your toddler. 
  • Find 'Top Tips' in many different languages.

Who Can Help?

You can access Speech and Language support by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays).

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