More Advanced Learners of EAL in Secondary Schools and Colleges

In the context of concerns about the progress and achievement of advanced learners of English as an additional language, OfSTED carried out an inspection in the Spring of 2002 to identify good practice in Key Stage 4 and post-16 provision which took account of the continuing need of many bilingual students for language support in their work.

The report involved the inspection of support work in 11 secondary schools and four colleges providing in-class or course linked support. The report concludes'the findings of this survey point to the need for senior managers in schools and colleges with more advanced bilingual learners to ensure that:

• all staff understand the need of many bilingual learners for continuing language support and their role in providing it
• staff have access to appropriately qualified and skilled EAL/ESOL practitioners who can advise or work in partnership with them
• the deployment of additional support is agreed at school or college level and managed in such a way that all staff develop the confidence to work in multilingual classrooms
• the provision of additional support is monitored to establish whether it is effective in raising attainment'

The report also recommended that training that focuses on the needs of more proficient bilingual learners is readily available to teachers.

The document includes a summary of 'Writing in English as an Additional Language at KS4 and post-16'.