20 tips for welcoming EAL learners in tutor groups

Support new students in your tutor group who speak English as an additional language with these 20 practical strategies.

For all students, wellbeing should be a priority, but when pupils risk being isolated by a language barrier, prioritising their wellbeing is fundamental. Moreover, some EAL learners come from countries where they may have experienced warfare, natural disaster or other trauma, so it is vital that pastoral care, emotional support and positive encouragement are provided on a regular basis. Because of their non-academic and informal nature, tutor groups play an important role in setting the tone for learners and combining the learning experience with pupil welfare.

These 20 practical suggestions from Head of EAL Anna Czebiolko can shape tutor time habits to ensure that new arrivals with English as an additional language are supported effectively.

You might also like Anna's CPD article on Integrating EAL support into mainstream teaching and her Teachit Talks webinar on the same topic.