Head Of Eal (english As An Additional Language)
full-time
JOB PURPOSE
To lead and manage the provision of English as an Additional Language (EAL) across the school, ensuring that pupils whose first language is not English receive effective, targeted support to develop their English language proficiency and access the British curriculum successfully. The role involves developing and implementing the school's EAL strategy, overseeing the assessment and progress of EAL pupils, supporting teaching staff, and promoting an inclusive learning environment in which all pupils can thrive academically, socially and linguistically.
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE
The Head of EAL will provide strategic and operational leadership for EAL provision across the school. The postholder will establish effective systems for identifying, assessing and supporting EAL pupils, oversee the development of individual language learning plans, and ensure that appropriate teaching strategies and resources are available to meet pupils' diverse linguistic needs.
The role requires close collaboration with the Head of School, Heads of Department, Key Stage Coordinators, class teachers, SEN team, parents and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that EAL pupils are fully supported in accessing the curriculum and participating in school life.
The Head of EAL will also lead the professional development of staff in EAL teaching strategies, monitor the effectiveness of EAL provision, and use assessment data to inform planning, intervention and continuous improvement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and Management of EAL
Develop, implement and regularly review the school's EAL strategy in line with the school's educational objectives and British curriculum requirements.
Establish clear procedures for identifying, assessing, monitoring and supporting pupils who require EAL provision.
Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of EAL support across relevant year groups and key stages.
Develop appropriate systems for monitoring the quality and impact of EAL interventions.
Manage EAL resources effectively, ensuring that appropriate teaching materials, assessment tools and language-learning technologies are available.
Contribute to school improvement planning by identifying priorities for the development of EAL provision.
Keep abreast of current research, best practice and developments in EAL education and apply relevant approaches to the school context.
Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Support
Plan and oversee the delivery of high-quality EAL instruction through individual sessions, small-group teaching and in-class support, as appropriate.
Ensure that EAL teaching is tailored to pupils' language proficiency, age, educational background and individual learning needs.
Develop and implement appropriate language learning plans with clear objectives, targets and review dates.
Support EAL pupils in developing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills necessary for academic success.
Work with class teachers and subject specialists to embed effective language development strategies across the curriculum.
Promote the development of academic vocabulary, subject-specific language and independent learning skills.
Monitor the effectiveness of EAL interventions and make recommendations for adjustments where required.
Assessment, Monitoring and Reporting
Lead the assessment of pupils' English language proficiency upon admission and at appropriate intervals throughout their time at the school.
Establish and maintain accurate, up-to-date records of pupils' language proficiency, learning targets, interventions and progress.
Use assessment data to identify learning needs, set measurable targets and inform teaching and intervention strategies.
Prepare reports on EAL pupils' progress for school leaders, teachers and parents, as required.
Evaluate the effectiveness of EAL provision using pupil progress data, lesson observations, work scrutiny and other relevant evidence.
Support appropriate assessment arrangements for EAL pupils, including access arrangements where permitted by relevant examination regulations and school policy.
Provide regular updates to the Head of School on pupil progress, intervention outcomes and the overall effectiveness of EAL provision.
Staff Development and Collaboration
Provide advice and practical support to teachers on effective strategies for teaching pupils who are learning English as an additional language.
Deliver or coordinate staff training on language acquisition, differentiation, scaffolding, academic language development and inclusive classroom practice.
Promote a whole-school approach to supporting EAL pupils across all subjects and year groups.
Work collaboratively with Heads of Department, Key Stage Coordinators, class teachers and teaching assistants to address pupils' language needs.
Support teachers in adapting classroom activities, learning materials and assessments to improve accessibility for EAL pupils.
Contribute to relevant staff meetings, curriculum planning sessions, training programmes and school improvement initiatives.
Support the induction of new staff on the school's EAL policies, procedures and expectations.
Pupil Welfare, Inclusion and Cultural Awareness
Promote an inclusive and supportive learning environment in which EAL pupils feel safe, valued and able to participate fully in school life.
Support pupils' social integration, confidence, independence and communication within the school community.
Identify barriers to pupils' participation and learning and implement appropriate strategies to address them.
Promote respect for linguistic and cultural diversity in accordance with the school's values of Excellence, Respect, Integrity and Discipline.
Work with the SEN team and other relevant staff to identify pupils who may require additional assessment or support beyond EAL provision.
Ensure that pupils' language needs are considered when planning transitions, pastoral support and other relevant school activities.
Communicate effectively with parents and guardians to support pupils' language development and integration into the school community.
Provide parents with practical advice on supporting English language development at home, where appropriate.
Leadership, Administration and Resource Management
Maintain accurate records of EAL assessments, pupil profiles, learning plans, intervention sessions and progress reviews.
Prepare reports, action plans and other documentation relating to EAL provision as required by school leadership.
Contribute to the development and review of relevant school policies and procedures.
Coordinate the effective use of EAL teaching resources, learning materials and technology.
Ensure that EAL provision is organised efficiently and that interventions are aligned with pupils' needs and the school timetable.
Participate in school events, parent meetings, professional development activities and other duties relevant to the role.
Undertake any other reasonable duties assigned by the Head of School or Director of Schools that are consistent with the responsibilities of the position.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Uphold Broadoaks British School's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people.
Comply fully with the school's safeguarding and child protection policies, procedures and reporting requirements.
Remain vigilant to signs of abuse, neglect, bullying or other safeguarding concerns and report them promptly through the designated procedures.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and ensure that all interactions with pupils are safe, respectful and consistent with school policy.
Ensure that EAL interventions and pupil records are managed in accordance with safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection requirements.
Contribute to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for all pupils.
QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification; TRCN registration is required where applicable.
A Bachelor's degree in English, Linguistics, Education, Applied Linguistics or a related field.
A recognised EAL, TESOL or TEFL qualification is desirable.
A minimum of three to five years' relevant teaching experience, including substantial experience supporting pupils learning English as an additional language.
Demonstrable experience leading a subject area, specialist provision, teaching team or relevant educational initiative.
Experience working within a British curriculum school or a comparable international school environment.
Good working knowledge of the National Curriculum for England and relevant EAL frameworks and assessment approaches.
Experience developing and implementing language learning plans and monitoring pupil progress.
Experience supporting pupils across different age groups and levels of English proficiency.
Experience advising or training teachers on inclusive teaching practices and EAL strategies.
Understanding of the relationship between English language acquisition, curriculum access and additional learning needs.
Experience using assessment data, educational technology and language-learning resources to improve pupil outcomes.
Strong leadership, communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with pupils, parents, teachers, school leaders and other stakeholders.
Ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records and use evidence to inform decisions.
A commitment to continuous professional development, inclusion, safeguarding and high educational standards.