English or Welsh as an additional language

The most important thing you can do for your children is to keep them safe and happy. The well-being of your family always comes first. You are not expected to recreate school at home or to be your children’s teacher, but there may be ways you can support their learning.

First way to support learning - speak to your school

You should contact your children’s school if you have questions about how to support your children’s learning. They will be able to support you or advise you on the best way to get help to suit your and your children’s needs including how to support their English and Welsh language learning.

Your school or local authority will also be able to advise if your children:

• receive free school meals - there is still support available to access free school meals at this time. You can speak to your school or you can find about arrangements in your local authority here
• are having difficulties using or accessing electronic devices to participate in online activities - contact your children’s school or your local authority. Additional support has been provided to support families during this difficult time.

Other ways to support learning - things you can try

There are many ways of learning, not all learning involves technology or being taught by a teacher. Children can learn through playing, talking and doing everyday practical activities, e.g. cooking, gardening, and cleaning. They may also learn through more ‘formal’ methods such as completing activities, either by hand or online.

Learning through your home language and talking about learning in your home language can be helpful for your children. You could try:

• talking about what is going on. See things from your children’s point of view, they may be struggling or unable to understand the situation. The following books are available to help children understand why things have changed:

1. COVIBOOK - supporting and reassuring children around the world is available in Cymraeg, Español, English, Italiano, Português (Brasil & Portugal) Français, Polskie, עברית, Bahasa indonesia, Deutsch, Türkçe, Pусский, عربي مصري, عربى, ρουμανικός, Magyar, Ελληνικά, Dansk, Српски, Hrvatski, 日本語, 中文, Nederlands, فارسی, 
2. My hero is you is available in many languages.

• Encouraging discussion and play in your children’s home language and the language of their school.
• Asking your children to explain the activities school has set in your home language – this may also help them understand the activity too. If your children are too young to do this or if you’re struggling to understand the activities together, contact your children’s school – they will be able to provide further support.

Additional support

If you are struggling and need additional support to cope with the situation during this time, support can be accessed from:

Welsh Refugee Council

Cardiff – 02920 489 800                

Newport – 01633 266 420

Swansea – 07918 403 666           

Wrexham – 07977 234 198

Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team Wales

The Traveller Movement

Information sheet