To support EAL/ESOL students so they can:
Develop English language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing)
Access the secondary school curriculum
Build confidence, independence, and social integration
Key Responsibilities
1. In-Class Support
Support students during mainstream lessons (e.g. English, Maths, Science)
Clarify teacher instructions using simplified language, visuals, or modelling
Pre-teach or reinforce key vocabulary and subject-specific language
Check understanding and encourage participation
Support note-taking, reading tasks, and written work
2. Language Development Support
Help students develop:
Academic English (subject language, exam vocabulary)
Social English (everyday communication)
Support speaking and listening through discussion, questioning, and modelling
Assist with reading comprehension and writing structure
3. Small Group / One-to-One Support
Work with individuals or small groups outside the classroom
Deliver targeted ESOL interventions planned by the teacher or EAL coordinator
Support newly arrived students or those at early stages of English acquisition
4. Supporting Inclusion and Wellbeing
Help students feel safe, included, and confident in school
Support social integration with peers
Be aware of cultural differences and sensitivities
Offer emotional reassurance, especially for newly arrived pupils or refugees
5. Working with Staff
Work closely with:
Class teachers
SENCO and EAL coordinator
Pastoral staff
Share observations about student progress and challenges
Support assessment of English proficiency where required
6. Supporting Assessment and Progress
Help students understand assessment tasks and expectations
Support preparation for tests and exams (without giving answers)
Monitor progress in English development and report back to teachers
Skills and Qualities Needed
Clear, patient communication
Strong English language skills
Understanding of EAL/ESOL strategies (scaffolding, visuals, modelling)
Cultural awareness and empathy
Ability to encourage independence (not over-support)
Teamwork and flexibility
Typical ESOL Strategies Used
Visual aids, diagrams, and real objects
Sentence starters and writing frames
Key vocabulary lists and glossaries
Chunking instructions
Modelling answers and thinking aloud
Use of first language where appropriate (if allowed by school policy)