To support EAL learning, St Stephen's Primary School in Newham
has created a school environment which celebrates and reflects
its local community. There's a rich mix of fabrics, artefacts
and language on display, and parents are warmly welcomed as part
of an open-door policy.The school also recruits multi-lingual
staff. Headteacher Jane Johnson explains the need to work
closely with parents so they understand what is expected of
them, what is going on in the classroom and how they can support
their child's learning at home. Parents such as Mrs Patel
appreciate the weekly Learning Library where they can borrow
education games, videos and bi-lingual books and ask what is
suitable for their children. Joe Mathias, EAL coordinator,
explains that every classroom has a home corner stocked with
multicultural props. Children are encouraged to contribute to
class conversation. They are also asked to listen both in
English and in their home language. Wall displays reinforce the
learning that is taking place. Details on