Polish, Urdu and Hindi the most spoken language other than English in West Berkshire schools

Eighty-two languages are spoken across schools in West Berkshire.

Ukrainian is one of those languages, but the post and funding to help school children adapt has now been axed.

Regular check ins with the families transitioning over from Ukraine was carried out by an education welfare officer specifically focused on Ukrainian families, working closely with the Ukranian Hub. This post and funding has now ceased.

The main language spoken by pupils who have English as an additional language (EAL) in West Berkshire is Polish.

Little Health and St Bart’s have the largest population in secondary schools of EAL pupils, with Polish, Hindi and Urdu being the most common first languages.

St Bart’s has 35 per cent of pupils with English as an additional language accounting for 200 pupils.

Trinity isn’t far behind with 32 per cent and 149 pupils.

Little Heath has 36 per cent with 156 pupils in the 1665 school roll.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School has the largest proportion in primary schools, with Hindi and Polish again being most common.

Local authorities in the UK have several statutory duties regarding pupils with EAL.

These duties are aimed at ensuring that pupils receive appropriate education and support to achieve their full potential.

Councils have a duty to promote high standards of education and fair access to educational opportunity for all children, including EAL pupils.

This involves supporting schools to meet the diverse needs, ensuring they can achieve academic success.

It is expecting to spend about £183,315 doing it.

West Berkshire has 115 children who are ascribed as Gypsy, Roma or Traveller.

Thirty-three West Berkshire schools have Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils on roll.

Twenty-two of those children have been supported in 20 schools (an increase of 50 per cent), seeking guidance and support by the council service.