English language support in schools

If you want to talk to someone about English language support for your child, please contact the English as an Additional Language Service.

Where can I get English language support for my child?

If you feel that your child needs extra support, you should contact your child’s school. There is not always a designated member of school staff – it is often the headteacher or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). Schools can refer children to the English as an Additional Language Service (EALS).

The EALS is a team of teachers and language support staff working in schools across East Sussex. We support those pupils from ethnic minorities who do not have English as a first language.

These pupils have to cope with a wide range of curriculum subjects using English as an additional language. Currently, about 60 different languages are spoken by pupils who go to East Sussex schools.

We work with schools, parents and other organisations to help young people gain access to education and achieve their full potential. We build on the skills and knowledge that children from other cultures bring to school, and develop their confidence and self-esteem. This is important for their achievement and for their social and personal development.

Help with the school admission process

If you want to know more about applying for a school place for your child, read our school admissions page.

If English is not your first language, we can arrange for someone to contact you to offer you assistance.

For help and information, contact the School Admissions Team.

Further information

You can find more information on how schools are helping children whose first language is not English on czone, the website for children's services professionals in East Sussex. Go to czone – English as an additional language.