East Lancashire headteachers: Celebrate bi-lingual pupils (From Lancashire Telegraph)

East Lancashire headteachers: Celebrate bi-lingual pupils

10:03am Thursday 29th January 2009 in News By Nafeesa Shan, Reporter

RESEARCH: At least 70per cent of children do not speak English as a first language at 592 of the country’s primary schools

NEW statistics which reveal the majority of pupils at 27 East Lancashire primary schools do not speak English as their first language have been labelled ‘misleading’.

And headteachers said a child’s ability to speak two languages should be celebrated, not condemned.

Research has revealed at least 70per cent of children do not speak English as a first language at 592 of the country’s primary schools.

Of those, 10 schools – including Burnley Stoneyholme Community School and Blackburn’s Brookhouse Primary School – have 100per cent of pupils with English as a second language.

The statistics also show 15 schools, including Audley Infant School, St James’ CE Primary School and Daisyfield Primary School, in Blackburn with Darwen, have at least 70per cent of pupils who speak English as a second language.

And in the county education area of Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn and Rossendale, there are 12 such schools, including Lomeshaye Junior School, Burnley Barden Junior School and Haslingden St James’ CE Primary School.

Education bosses stressed that all children were taught in English. Peter Fenton, head of Daisyfield Primary School, Clinton Street, Blackburn, said: “Our school provides good levels of bi-lingual support as children come into school in order that they achieve success in school.

“We have a carefully structured programme to support language development, speaking and listening, and we also have reading acquisition for the children.

“We ensure children understand the concepts through learning and I find that parents are very supportive about learning. Wherever we can, we also celebrate the richness of the culture here in school.”

The figures show that across the country, one in seven pupils aged four to 11 do not have English as their first language, the equivalent of 466,620 children.

Jo Bradley, deputy head of Lomeshaye Junior School, Norfolk Street, Nelson, said: “Most of the children speak English as a second language, but it isn’t often reinforced at home.

“So when we plan lessons we are aware of this and don’t presume anything. We go back and use examples they will understand. We have done a lot of work which has been reflected in our curriculum Ofsted report.

“This issue is part and parcel of life and in deprived white areas some white children may speak English, but they don’t necessarily understand and are not fluent in curriculum language as they move further up the school.

“We celebrate our pupils’ ability to speak two languages and if they want to report back to the child next to them in their first language it is acceptable, it is something to be celebrated. The children try to teach us some of their first languages.”

Angie Pleasants, head of Lomeshaye Junior School, added: “Everything has to be explained.

“The vocabulary has to be explained, but that’s the way to teach the children and we use visual aids.”

Peter Morgan, strategic director of children’s services for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Many pupils with English as an additional language are highly competent at English speaking, writing and listening and make significant progress with their education.

“For the ones who find it more challenging we have comprehensive programmes to support them and enable them to make similar prog-ress.”

Coun Vali Patel, cabinet committee for schools for Lancashire County Council, said: “It is about under-standing. I think sometimes they are at a disadvantage, but schools work hard and need to work harder to ensure they are not disadvantaged.”

Burnley MP Kitty Ussher said: “The statistics show the challenges the teachers in schools have because we want to make sure everyone in Burnley has a full and strong part in the community. It is not shocking.”

A Department for Children, Schools and Families spokesperson added: “The language of instruction in English schools is, and always has been, English.

“We have listened to the concerns of headteachers and are increasing funding.”