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The Bell Foundation

@thebellfoundation.bsky.social
74 followers 69 following 51 posts

We are a charity which aims to overcome exclusion through language education by working with partners on innovation, research, training, and practical interventions.

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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Have you seen our new calls for change for ESOL? bit.ly/3UaSio9 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) can be life changing for those who are learning English. We are calling for a national policy framework to make English language learning more accessible to adult learners.
The image is a green graphic with three numbered items under the title "ESOL: Our new calls for change." The items are: 1) Define core principles, expectations, and accountability measures for ESOL when monies are devolved. 2) Align new ESOL standards to the Common European Framework for Reference for Languages (CEFR). 3) What Works? Create a mechanism to share effective practice, research, and evidence.The image is a numbered list on a green background. It features three points related to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages): 4. Deliver more provision that embeds ESOL into vocational training; 5. Recognise that investment in ESOL reaps benefits; 6. Resource ESOL as an essential driver of community cohesion. The design includes abstract green shapes and a small bell icon in the upper right corner.The image features a dark green background with a stylized bell icon in the top right corner. It lists three items: 7. Digital provision: One size doesn’t fit all; 8. Improve national and regional data collection to better understand the impact of ESOL provision; 9. Invest in workforce development. The items are numbered and placed inside circles on the left.The image has a green background with abstract wave patterns. There's a white bell icon in the top right corner. Text on the left reads: "Explore our recommendations in full: www.bell-foundation.org.uk/ESOL-evidence/".
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
For #RefugeeWeek, we were delighted to speak with author Onjali Q. Raúf about her award-winning book, The Boy at the Back of the Class, which tells the story of a group of schoolchildren who befriend a newly arrived Syrian child who is new to English. Watch the interview: bit.ly/3S2zUQL
youtu.be
Refugee Week 2026: In conversation with author Onjali Raúf
YouTube video by The Bell Foundation
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
It’s #RefugeeWeek! It’s time to celebrate courage. Our dedicated resource hub brings together a collection of practical EAL resources, insights, and strategies to support schools to nurture a place where all pupils can thrive. Explore the hub 👉 bit.ly/4vA75to
Poster for Refugee Week 2026. Text reads: "Explore our range of EAL resources that reflect the courage of learners from refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds." A decorative graphic and a bell symbol are included.A person is assisting another person with schoolwork in a classroom setting. The text on the image reads: "RESOURCE PAGE: How can schools support and welcome newly arrived EAL learners?" The image is part of Refugee Week 2026 materials.A graphic for Refugee Week 2026 with the title "Featured Blogs." It lists three topics: "Navigating education choices after school," "Building sustainable school provision," and "Why inclusive provision matters for EAL learners." The background is green with abstract design elements.A green graphic titled "Refugee Week 2026" with an icon of a book. It features four circles with resources for schools: "The Journey by Francesca Sanna - Resource Pack," "The Boy at the Back of the Class - Resource," "Social inclusion for the classroom - Great Idea," and "Early literacy word work - Great Idea.
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Multilingualism is a powerful asset. For World Day for Cultural Diversity, we’re highlighting how ESOL can unlock skills and opportunities. We spoke to Parwin about learning English and what it means for her life and future. Watch here: bit.ly/4dbX26k
A person is smiling and sitting outdoors, wearing sunglasses and a floral top. Text on the image reads: “I'm studying ESOL and I'm not crazy about it. I try not to miss any classes. Why? Because as a first step you want to be able to communicate with people, you need to learn their language. It makes it easier to have friends, to find a job, many things... many things.”
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Over one in five pupils in England speak English as an Additional Language - making multilingual classrooms the norm in many schools. But what opportunities might schools be missing when supporting EAL? View our full interactive story: bit.ly/4nSDHe8
The image is an infographic titled "How can schools remove language barriers for EAL learners?" It features two sections with numbered points. 

1. "Treat every EAL Learner as an individual": Emphasizes the diversity among EAL pupils and the importance of tailored teaching approaches. Mentions it includes children from various backgrounds, such as multilingual households or newly-arrived refugees.

2. "Support English language learners to achieve academic proficiency": Notes that EAL is included in national funding formulas and stresses the time required for academic proficiency in English, stating it takes at least six years, though research funding only covers three years. 

The design includes a green background with white text and graphical elements.A green infographic with three numbered points about EAL (English as an Additional Language) in education. Point 3 highlights recognizing EAL pupils as assets to schools, noting bilinguals as creative and academically successful. Point 4 emphasizes supporting EAL students in class to effectively develop English skills, mentioning the outlawing of withdrawal practices in 1986. Point 5 states that using skills in a learner's first language aids in acquiring English, adding that bilingualism positively affects educational attainment.
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Do you know a parent or carer of an EAL learner with SEND? Our new guidance helps families understand and navigate the support available in schools in England. Available in 10 languages and written in clear, accessible language, view the guidance here 👉 bit.ly/3OzER24
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
The government has committed to reviewing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision in England – so what must it consider? This is an opportunity to redefine how English language teaching can reach all who need it. Read more in FE Week: bit.ly/47UZ1Ks
This image features a person in professional attire with a quote in the background: "This ESOL review is a rare chance...don’t waste it." Below, the name "Diana Sutton, Director, The Bell Foundation" is displayed. The bottom text reads "For FE Week."
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
We are celebrating 10 Centres of Expertise delivering quality EAL support across the UK! These Centres help schools embed inclusive EAL work. Exceed Teaching School Hub shares how being part of this network strengthens practice and supports learners’ English development: bit.ly/3P08ucC
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Our Director Diana Sutton gave evidence to the APPG on Further Education & Lifelong Learning’s inquiry into Adult Education. She explained ESOL’s role in integration & employability, but rising demand, funding cuts & devolution leave many facing a postcode lottery. Learn more: bit.ly/4te2yvZ
A group of individuals is seated around a large table in a formal meeting room adorned with intricate wallpaper and wooden panels. Laptops and documents are on the table, with a few screens displaying the emblem of the UK Parliament. Two portraits hang on the wall, and a clock is visible. A yellow bag is placed on the floor near the table.
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Weekend read: How can students' home languages become a powerful tool for learning? 📚 This week we explore translanguaging and practical tips on how to draw on learners' full linguistic knowledge to boost engagement and support more inclusive, effective teaching: bit.ly/478vXi4
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Blog: Translanguaging. How to Use Students’ Own Languages to Enhance Learning
In this blog, trainer and subject expert, Tom Beakes, takes a look at how translanguaging leverages students’ home languages, dialects, and English to enhance learning in multilingual classrooms.
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
📣 We’re expanding our network of Partners! We are inviting Expressions of Interest from organisations ready to deliver Language for Results training and strengthen EAL provision in schools. Join us in improving learner outcomes and offer evidence-informed CPD. Apply: bit.ly/4rNT3CP
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Call for New Licensed Partners (March 2026) - The Bell Foundation
We are seeking to recruit new Licensed Partners to run English as an Additional language (EAL) training.
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
How can we balance language interventions and curriculum learning for EAL learners❓ Pupils thrive when mainstream classroom teaching enables them to access curriculum content and build language at the same time. Here are key practical considerations from our new guidance: bit.ly/4qpvIpK
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Language learning is essential to supporting newly arrived EAL learners to integrate into their new school. Read more about how our EAL assessment Framework is helping schools to understand learners’ baseline level of English and inform tailored language provision. www.tes.com/magazine/lea...
tes.com
How schools like ours are leading the way on integration
From language lessons to learning how to use self-checkouts in supermarkets, there are many ways schools can help young people newly arrived in the country to settle in
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Weekend Read: More than 1 in 5 pupils use EAL, yet schools often see this as a challenge rather than an asset. Discover how celebrating multilingualism can boost confidence, cognitive skills, and success in our latest article: bit.ly/3Kw21nF
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Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
For the National Year of Reading, secondary schools will be embracing a wide range of reading activities. But how can we consider the assets and needs of our multilingual learners to ensure they can take part fully? EAL expert Glynis Lloyd advises @seced.bsky.social: bit.ly/3NbJ2Az
sec-ed.co.uk
National Year of Reading: Nurturing multilingual learners - SecEd
Practical strategies to build reading engagement for EAL pupils across subjects during the National Year of Reading
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
We're delighted to announce the winner of The Bell Foundation Beacon Award for Excellence in #ESOL run by @aoc-info.bsky.social 🥁– 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲🏆 Blending English with sector-specific study, their project boosts confidence, progression & employability.👏 #CollegesWeek2026
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
We are disappointed in Greater Lincolnshire’s plans to de-fund ESOL. ESOL is a lifeline for many learners and is vital for community cohesion and skills development. Replacing with "one literacy qualification for all” cannot address the language needs of ESOL learners. Read in @feweek.bsky.social
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
📍What is the distribution of EAL learners across England? Our most recent analysis reveals that the amount of schools working with EAL pupils has grown significantly – meaning that more face the challenge of providing tailored support. Explore more in our interactive data story ⬇️ bit.ly/3JJVmGp
interactive map of England showing the proportion of EAL learners across the country, with the highest numbers in and around London, Birmingham, Manchester, Durham and surrounding areas
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
The new Ofsted inspection toolkit includes a section on EAL learners. Rather than waiting for inspection, schools can get ahead by evaluating and developing their approach to supporting EAL pupils. In our latest article we outline how schools can review their EAL provision in four simple steps ⬇️
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Potential cuts to local ESOL suggest the need for a national vision that prioritises equitable access to high-quality, local provision. Our Director outlines in @feweek.bsky.social why not only investing in but rejuvenating our ESOL offering is key to meeting skills gaps: bit.ly/3MD6ENN
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ESOL can solve skills shortages but it needs a national vision
National policy around improving ESOL needs a sharper focus, or it risks being undermined by local opposition
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Reposted by The Bell Foundation
FE Week @feweek.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
'Not only investing in, but rejuvenating our current ESOL offering can be the key to meeting skills gaps' Diana Sutton of @thebellfoundation.bsky.social on the need for a national ESOL strategy as councils toy with local cuts to provision
feweek.co.uk
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Thanks to Hamilton International School for sharing how they have strengthened their EAL provision by assessing learners' English proficiency. Key to their approach was achieving Accreditation by Language for Results International, our scheme which recognises quality EAL provision: bit.ly/ALFRI
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
What does the latest EAL pupil evidence mean for schools? Our Director Diana Sutton explores the findings from our latest EAL research with @education.ox.ac.uk and what schools can do to support EAL learners to reach their potential. Read the article for useful insights: bit.ly/4acopxh
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Reposted by The Bell Foundation
Tes magazine @tesmagazine.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
With Ofsted now looking at EAL provision, new data from @thebellfoundation.bsky.social offers some useful insights, as its director Diana Sutton highlights
tes.com
What the latest EAL pupil evidence means for schools
Diana Sutton from The Bell Foundation outlines some key insights from new research on pupils with English as an additional language
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Launching our new evidence on #EAL attainment with @education.ox.ac.uk, we hosted a panel in Westminster exploring how EAL learner arrival time and English proficiency shape their achievement. Explore the quotes of our brilliant speakers below ⬇️ and the full report here✨: bit.ly/evidence25
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
This week our Director Diana took part in the panel at @aoc-info.bsky.social conference to launch their #AdultLearningPays campaign. For those who speak English as a second language, ESOL is a powerful tool for growth, economic resilience, and integration. Learn more: bit.ly/4hTh0TJ
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Congrats to all the #AoCBeacons finalists!🎉 We are proud to sponsor the Excellence in #ESOL Award, celebrating support that empowers learners & communities. Shout-out to 𝗢𝗹𝗱𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲, 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲. More via @aoc-info.bsky.social: bit.ly/beacon-award...
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Reposted by The Bell Foundation
Headteacher Update @headteacherupdate.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
With 1 in 5 pupils in England’s #schools speaking English as an additional language #EAL, ensuring inclusive practice is vital, especially in light of Ofsted’s new inspection framework. Sarah Moodie outlines 4 steps for reviewing your EAL provision: buff.ly/5m6o92y #edusky #education
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Evaluating your primary school’s EAL provision: Four steps - Headteacher Update
Advice from The Bell Foundation to help schools evaluate provision for students using English as an additional language
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
Our latest evidence from @education.ox.ac.uk shows that the later an EAL pupil joins school, the harder it is for them to catch up in education. Late arriving monolingual pupils do not face this same attainment penalty, however. Explore the findings in our data story: bit.ly/3JJVmGp
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
We've launched our latest evidence on EAL learner attainment with @education.ox.ac.uk. This builds on 10 years’ worth of research and reinforces the importance of assessing proficiency in English. We asked teachers for their key takeaways⬇️ bit.ly/vidcovsuf View the report: bit.ly/43YoaSk
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Video interviews with teachers
The latest research from the University of Oxford is a 10-year follow up to the first piece of research looking into the educational achievement of EAL pupils in England. It provides new evidence about how an EAL learners’ time of arrival at school can impact their achievement – and why assessing proficiency in English is essential for schools to understand and unlock their potential. In this video, teachers tell about the implications of the research for their work.
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Reposted by The Bell Foundation
Department of Education, University of Oxford @education.ox.ac.uk · 13/11/2025
🔊A decade of studies reinforce that proficiency in English is key to transforming outcomes for EAL pupils with high needs. This latest analysis from Dr @ariel-lindorff.bsky.social & Prof Steve Strand OBE was commissioned by @thebellfoundation.bsky.social & Unbound Philanthropy. ➡️ shorturl.at/R57Jf
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Data is key to developing effective education provision. But there is currently limited accurate national data on adults who need to learn English and their levels of proficiency. A marker should be added to the data collected by FE providers to better track learners’ needs: bit.ly/3UaSio9
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Reposted by The Bell Foundation
Tes magazine @tesmagazine.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Ofsted's inclusion of EAL is a big and welcome change, says this charity leader – here's how schools can ensure provision in this area is visible and valued
tes.com
Ofsted’s new focus on EAL is a step in the right direction
The inclusion of English as an additional language in the new inspection toolkit means schools need to look again at this area of provision, writes Katherine Solomon
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
The majority of future teachers will work in multilingual classrooms. Yet only 37% of early career teachers report that their training prepared them well for teaching #EAL pupils. Effective teacher training is urgently needed to generate and maintain EAL expertise in schools: bit.ly/4nSDEje
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
For the first time in years, Ofsted inspectors will be asked to explicitly consider how schools are supporting EAL pupils. What does this shift mean for schools? In @tesmagazine.bsky.social, we outline these changes and how schools can build sustainable EAL provision: bit.ly/Ofsted-EAL
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
How can we implement effective #oracy programmes for EAL learners when 41% of early career teachers report feeling unprepared to teach multilingual classrooms? There is an urgent need for effective teacher training and oracy programmes that help EAL learners build confidence: bit.ly/48ayhEo
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Blog: Seven Ways to Ensure Oracy Programmes are Effective for EAL Learners
In this blog, we consider the key issues that policy makers need to consider to ensure that efforts to improve oracy in schools do not overlook the needs of EAL learners.
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Many speakers of English as a second language have skills and experience that are unutilised due to language barriers. Investment in effective #ESOL provision is key to unlocking this potential. Discover our calls to turn this potential into reality: bit.ly/3UaSio9 @hughesdavid.bsky.social
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Reposted by The Bell Foundation
SecEd @seced.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
#Oracy skills are high on the #education agenda. Glynis Lloyd considers what #teachers need to know about teaching oracy to students who use English as an additional language (EAL) and offers 12 practical approaches for the classroom: buff.ly/sqOiPR8 #schools #edusky
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Building oracy-rich learning for EAL learners - SecEd
Supporting the oracy needs of EAL learners in all their subjects and practical and sustainable strategies for teachers
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
#Oracy is important for success in education and later in life. For all pupils to benefit however, the specific needs of #EAL pupils must be considered. Teachers must provide learners with a structured approach that exposes them to language and builds their confidence: bit.ly/4nSDEje
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
Ahead of the release of the Curriculum & Assessment Review report, we've been thinking about how the curriculum can better support the needs of EAL learners. Earlier this year, our article for Schools Week outlined our recommendations to meet the varied needs of EAL pupils: bit.ly/482UOVS
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
This #EuropeanDayofLanguages we celebrate the incredible linguistic diversity in schools. Multilingual classrooms are the norm and our interactive story features experts, teachers, and learners who unpack the myths and opportunities around learning English, and what must change: bit.ly/eal-story
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Attending #ESOL classes is more than just acquiring a language – it can be life-changing. Read and watch the inspiring stories of those who have overcome obstacles to learn English through ESOL classes and how it has transformed their day-to-day lives: bit.ly/43ZrTzW
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Learning English: The Difference it Made for Me
In England and Wales, 5.1 million people speak English as a Second or Additional Language (ESL). For many, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes have been the key to a new language an...
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Reposted by The Bell Foundation
Academy of Social Sciences @acadsocsciences.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Meet our Fellow Prof Steve Strand OBE, Prof of Education at @education.ox.ac.uk @ox.ac.uk. Steve’s research focuses on equity issues and social justice in relation to educational outcomes. Find out more about Steve ➡️ acss.org.uk/professor-st...
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
How do we bridge the skills gap? Speakers of English as a second language could be the answer, with many having skills going unrecognised due to language barriers. Accessible #ESOL provision is key to unlocking this potential and must be prioritised by Skills England: bit.ly/3UaSio9
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Good to see @ofstednews.bsky.social recognising the needs of EAL learners 🎉 The schools inspection toolkit reintroduces an #EAL section in the 'Curriculum and Teaching' evaluation area, an important change in how schools support EAL pupils. Read our Director's response: bit.ly/4mm0tKg
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill promises to deliver support for children not in school, but overlooks refugee and asylum-seeking children who can spend up to a year out of school. With @edupolicyinst.bsky.social and @reuk.org we are proposing 3 changes for fairer access: bit.ly/3JIVfdS
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How displaced children could be left out of Labour's reforms
The schools bill leaves too many cracks for these vulnerable young people to fall through
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
The school national funding formula must appropriately recognise the support needs of EAL pupils. While EAL is one of the additional needs factors in the formula, since 2017 the factor has increased at half the rate of funding for other pupils and isn’t ringfenced. Learn more: bit.ly/4nSDEje
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
As pupils return to school, #oracy skills have never been more important. But how can teachers teach oracy skills to pupils who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL)? Glynis Lloyd offers practical tips for primary schools to ensure an oracy-rich curriculum for multilingual learners:
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
#ESOL is in need of reform. Explore our calls for the development of a new set of ESOL standards and qualifications to support effective language learning and provide learners with the tools they need to thrive: bit.ly/3UaSio9
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The Bell Foundation @thebellfoundation.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
The curriculum review is an important opportunity to reform a system that often fails to support EAL learners effectively. We’re calling for more flexibility around learning and assessment, to support EAL students to learn English, and access the curriculum through English: bit.ly/4nSDEje
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