16:06, 21 February 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
On International Mother Language Day, we recognise the importance of linguistic diversity in education. This day promotes the preservation of native languages worldwide and continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of language in cultural identity, education, and communication.
This is a perfect segway to introduce The Bell Foundation, a UK charity focused on improving outcomes for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and supporting multilingualism in schools.
With over 1.7 million EAL learners in England alone, representing one in five children, the foundation’s mission to tackle exclusion through language education is more critical than ever.
Smiley News spoke to Katherine Solomon, Head of Training and Resources, to find out more about their work.
The foundation’s core mission is to offer evidence-based resources, training, and support to teachers. That said, its impact extends beyond the classroom, actively campaigning for systemic change through policy and public affairs to drive broader societal transformation.
Katherine expresses the pressing need for more inclusive practices in schools: “We focus on raising awareness and seeking long-term change through policy.”
However, there are many significant challenges to supporting EAL learners in the UK. Many policies that aim to improve EAL outcomes have been removed over the last 10 to 15 years.
She adds: “Teachers often feel unprepared to support multilingual classrooms, as initial teacher training does not adequately prepare them for the diversity they encounter.”
This lack of teacher preparation leaves many students without the support they need to thrive. The Bell Foundation advocates for a more holistic approach to education, across all stages of compulsory education, calling for the integration of EAL support into a broader, inclusive curriculum.
“EAL should not be treated as a separate issue but should be embedded into the curriculum to reflect the multilingual society we live in,” Katherine explains.
The foundation also submitted an Official Submission: Response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review, which includes key recommendations for a more inclusive educational approach. The importance of language education in overcoming educational disadvantages cannot be overstated. In response to the question: How can language education help overcome the challenges faced by EAL learners?
Katherine responds with: “Schooling is fundamentally a linguistic process, and for EAL learners, the challenges are twofold: learning English and accessing the curriculum in English.”
The Bell Foundation's research shows that English proficiency is the biggest predictor of achievement for EAL learners. This highlights the importance of integrating language education throughout the curriculum, especially for late arrivals or students with low proficiency.
Success stories from the Bell Foundation’s work further illustrate the positive impact of their programs, which has reached over 100,000 educational professionals since 2020. Additionally, their EAL assessment framework has been adopted by several local authorities across the UK, helping schools track and monitor language proficiency to ensure that students are supported effectively.
Looking ahead, the Bell Foundation continues to push for vital policy changes and outlines their current policy asks.
To further understand the challenges faced by late-arriving refugees and asylum seekers, the foundation is conducting a Survey on Late Arrivals. This important study builds on research by REUK and aims to gather insights that will help shape better practices and support systems for these young people. Educators are encouraged to participate in the survey by visiting this link.
And to support teachers and schools in their work with EAL students, The Bell Foundation offers a range of free resources, including the EAL Assessment Framework and various Learning Resources, available on their website, as well as general EAL Training with a range of tools to make a meaningful impact on the educational success of multilingual learners.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Bell Foundation. This is a UK charity dedicated to overcoming exclusion through language education, particularly for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners in UK schools. Find out more.
Language Angels. This organisation provides primary school teachers with resources to teach modern foreign languages, focusing on improving language skills and fostering cultural awareness. Learn more here.
Cymdeithas yr Iaith. For nearly 60 years, Cymdeithas yr Iaith has been leading the way to promote and protect the Welsh language. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities.
