FROM: David Sheppard

Senior Adviser Equalities & InclusionEthnic Minority Achievement

English Language Support Service

We are committed to providing the best possible support for EAL learners in Norfolk schools in order to raise their standards of attainment and enhance their rate of progress. Choosing this buy back option means that you are buying into the expertise of the whole team. Our strategies include:

• Detailed assessment and analysis of individual support needs
• Direct teaching, individually or in small groups
• Advice for teachers and teaching assistants
• Recommending resources
• Advising on the progress of individual learners compared to others across the LEA and nationally

The team member allocated to your school will construct the best possible combination of these approaches, and will involve other team members as necessary or appropriate. As members of the Advisory Service, we work co-operatively with RDAs and the National Strategy Advisers. We will provide information on the attainment and progress of individual pupils and on the quality of provision to support the School Self-Review process.



Distribution of Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant (EMAG)

Funding to support EAL learners will be distributed using the same rates as last year:

Key stage 1	Beginners £200	Advanced EAL learners £100
Key stages 2,3,4	Beginners £250	Advanced EAL learners £100

Using the secure AVCO system I will ask you to review and amend the Register of EAL learners I hold of pupils currently supported by the English Language Support Service (ELSS). I will also ask you to indicate whether you wish to continue to buy back support from the English Language Support Service or to make your own arrangements for EAL support.

The following descriptors will help you to complete the "language stage" column:

Beginners
Pupils understand little or no English. Spoken English is restricted and non-fluent. Problems coping in classroom.

Second stage
Pupils are more fluent, but command of vocabulary and syntax is uneven. School learning will be harder for them than their peers.

Third stage
Spoken and written English lacks range. Tendency to underachieve in subjects like English and history.

Competence
Pupils have sufficient command of written and spoken English to access the curriculum, comparable with native English speakers of the same age and ability.

After processing your referral form I will notify you of the amount to be allocated to your school. New children joining your school after completion of the form will, of course be considered for support, and you can access this by completing our standard referral form, obtainable from Alison Neale on 01603 727890.

If you choose the English Language Support Service buyback option the work will be monitored in line with Advisory Service quality control procedures and information provided to support your School Self-Review. If you prefer to make your own arrangements for EAL support I will contact you in due course to agree arrangements for monitoring your use of the grant.