English as an Additional Language
Welcome to Hillcrest Primary School
At Hillcrest Primary School, we want every child to feel welcome and succeed, especially those learning English as an Additional Language (EAL). We are here to support you and your child.
EAL Coffee Morning: Join us for our new EAL Parent/Carer Coffee Morning
Friday, 28th February at 9 AM. Younger children are welcome!
Key Staff:
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Bridget Norman Head Teacher | Ciaran McIntyre Deputy Head | Lucy Newstead Inclusion Assistant Head | Kate Higginson Family Support | Cat Cox Office Team | Emily Metcalfe EAL Support |
Our Support for EAL Pupils
Dedicated EAL Team:
- Lucy Newstead and Emily Metcalfe lead our EAL support services.
- Kate Higginson helps families understand the school system and find support.
EAL Programmes:
- Language Support Classes: Focus on improving English skills. We use Flash Academy for learning, which pupils can access at home.
- Buddy System: New EAL pupils get a buddy who speaks their language or is a friendly peer to help them adjust.
Curriculum and Teaching
Inclusive Curriculum:
- Our curriculum is designed for all pupils, with language learning included in all subjects.
High-Quality Teaching:
- Our teachers adapt their methods to meet the needs of all learners, including EAL pupils.
Parental Involvement
Engaging Families:
- We encourage parents to join school events and workshops for EAL families.
- We provide translation services to help all parents communicate with the school.
EAL Coffee Mornings
- Purpose: To build community and connect parents.
- Activities: Meet other families and enjoy tea and cake.
Parent Race and Ethnicity Action Group
- Goal: Promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity.
- Activities: Organise events, provide a space for parents to share concerns, and ensure our policies reflect equality.
Pupil Voice Groups
- Diversity Committee: Celebrates diversity and promotes cultural awareness.
- EAL Group: Supports pupils learning English and promotes integration.
Practical Information
School Hours:
- Day: 8:50 AM - 3:30 PM
- Reception classes: Until 3:20 PM
Attendance:
- Every day counts! If your child is sick, please inform us. 0117 3772440 school@hillcrest.bristol.sch.uk or use the Arbor app to send a free text message
Medication:
- Bring prescribed medication to the office and fill out a form/
Uniform:
- Green sweatshirt, pale blue polo shirt, black trousers/shorts/skirt, and black shoes.
- A plain headscarf may be worn, and black or grey leggings under a skirt or dress.
- Spare uniform is in the shed on the grass area of the playground. Help yourself.
PE Kit:
- T-shirt in house colour and black shorts/leggings.
Snacks and Lunch:
- Your child can bring in a healthy snack and water bottles. Free meals are available for eligible pupils. We have Ask a member of staff for help.
- Children can have school meals or packed lunches from home,or a mixture of both on different days.
- School meals are freshly cooked in our kitchen.
- There is always a vegetarian and a Halal option.
- Choose and order your child's school meals online using the Arbor Parent Portal.
SEND Coordinator – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- Sarah Livingston slivingston@hillcrest.bristol.sch.uk
- We support all pupils, including those with additional needs. Parent/carers are welcome to discuss their child’s progress.
Communication
- Parent Portal: Use Arbor to register your child and communicate with the school.
- Weekly Mailbag: Updates on school news and events sent via email.
- WhatsApp Groups: Connect with other parents.
Translation Help
Using Google Translate:
- Download the app.
- Select source and target languages.
- Use the camera feature or paste the website URL for translation.
Browser Translation:
- Use Google Chrome or Safari for built-in translation options.
Additional Support:
- Ask staff for help with devices or translation.
Services for People Seeking Asylum & Refugees – Bristol
https://bristol.cityofsanctuary.org/what-we-do/bristol-organisations
Call Migrant Help 0808 8010 503; 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Bristol Refugee Rights
- Website:www.bristolrefugeerights.org
- Email: info@bristolrefugeerights.org
- Address: Wellspring Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Bristol BS5 0AX
- Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 AM to 1 PM
- Phone/WhatsApp: 07526 352353
Services Offered:
- Support and classes, including Pride Without Borders and Young People’s Immigration Project.
- Wednesdays (10 AM - 12 PM): Advice drop-in (not for hotel residents), help with healthcare, and casework.
- Thursdays (10 AM - 1 PM): Welcome Centre with food, games, art, haircuts, and more.
- Rockabye Group (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM): For mothers with babies under 1 year old.
- Crèche available: For children aged 1-5 while parents access services.
Red Cross Refugee Support
- Website:www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-as-a-refugee
- Phone: 0117 941 5040 (Option 1)
- Email: refugeeservicebristol@redcross.org.uk
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Services Offered:
- Help with benefits, housing, and bank accounts for newly granted refugees.
- Family tracing support.
- Assistance for those with no income.
Refugee Women of Bristol
- Website:www.refugeewomenofbristol.org.uk
- Phone: 0117 9415867
- Email: info@refugeewomenofbristol.org.uk
Drop-in Centre: Tuesdays from 10 AM to 2:30 PM (term time only) at Easton Family Centre, BS5 0SQ.
Services Offered:
- ESOL classes, well-being activities, and meals.
- Support for women experiencing domestic violence.
Borderlands
- Website:www.borderlands.uk.com
- Phone: 0117 904 0479
- Email: hello@borderlands.org.uk
Welcome Centre: Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Services Offered:
- Tea, coffee, games, art, haircuts, and referrals.
- Fresh food every Tuesday and hot food at lunchtime.
- English classes for beginners.
Bristol Hospitality Network
- Website:www.bhn.org.uk
- Phone: 0117 379 0011
Welcome Centre: Mondays from 11 AM to 2 PM at Easton Family Centre, BS5 0SQ.
Services Offered:
- Hot food, ESOL classes, and volunteering opportunities.
Aid Box Community
- Website:www.aidboxcommunity.co.uk
- Phone: 0117 336 441
- Email: freeshop@aidboxcommunity.co.uk
Open: Monday to Friday from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Services Offered:
- Free shop for clothes and essentials.
- Activity groups for men and women.
- Befriending programme for friendship.
Project MAMA
- Website:www.projectmama.org
Services Offered:
- Support for pregnant women and mothers with babies under 2 years old.
- Weekly meetups for peer support and activities.
The Haven
- Website:www.sirona-cic.org.uk/nhsservices/services/the-haven/
- Phone: 0300 124 6875
Services Offered:
- Health services for asylum seekers and refugees.
- Help accessing health services.
Bridges for Communities
- Website:www.bridgesforcommunities.com
- Email: info@bridgesforcommunities.com
Services Offered:
- Programmes to connect asylum seekers with local communities.
Bristol Refugee Festival
- Website:www.bristolrefugeefestival.org
- Email: Info@bristolrefugeefestival.org
Services Offered: Events and activities to connect refugees with local communities.