Introduction
English as an additional language (EAL) Advisory Service
Early years providers can access advice, guidance and support relating to EAL families and children in Somerset. This service is provided by the Early Years Alliance – please visit their website to view the full offer.
Somerset Early Years EAL Advisory Service information leaflet
Welcome to Somerset
‘Welcome to Somerset’ is a resource for parents of children with English as an additional language.
A film clip has been produced which gives brief information about childcare options in Somerset and has been filmed in English and in 10 other languages. There is also a pack of information that early years providers can share with parents and carers whose first language is not English.
Please visit www.eyalliance.org.uk/south-west – then click ‘Our Services’ and ‘EAL Advisory Service’ to find all the videos and downloadable information.
English as an Additional Language Support
There are free services available to Early Years providers in Somerset for translation to help communicate more effectively with children and families. These services are provided by DA Languages and Diversity Voice. Diversity Voice offers translation into and from Polish. Translation for all other languages are offered by DA Languages.
DA Languages – Useful Resources
Dedicated language services agency with experience delivering first-class translation & interpreting services. Providing expert support to both private and public sectors, covering 450 languages and dialects
DA Languages has an online portal link.dalanguages.co.uk – Please see the EAL Provider Evening Slides – February 2020 for details of the booking process.
More information – www.dalanguages.co.uk/
Diversity Voice
Diversity Voice has been awarded the contract by Somerset County Council to support Polish children and their families across Somerset. This service is mainly funded by Somerset County Council.
For more information about Diversity Voice please visit their website www.diversityvoice.org.uk/
Racial Incident Reporting
Any incident at your setting that has a racial element should be reported to the local authority using the Racial Incident Recording Sheet.
You can also get the form from the Early Years Alliance by visiting their website and following the ‘Our Services’ tab, then ‘EAL Resources’.
You can get advice from the PLA about what constitutes a racial incident and support in managing incidents of this nature. Please email them at eal.service@eyalliance.org.uk