Work Wise: Four nations - Pupils with English as an additional language

Shafik Meghji examines the different approaches around the country.

ENGLAND

Every state school in Britain is legally obligedto make promoting race equality a central part of its workand ensure pupils from ethnicminority backgrounds areable to reach their academic potential. In 1998, the government introduced the Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant (EMAG), which is designedto meet the needs of pupils for whom English isan additional language (EAL) and toraise results for those ethnicminority groups that are particularly at risk of under-achievement. EMAG is devolved to schools in England, allowing head teachers todecide how best to spend it tomeet their school's particular needs. SCOTLAND

The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, which came into force in November 2005, provides a framework for local authorities and other agencies to support all children. It recognises some children need additional help - because of issues such as medical conditions, family circumstances and bullying, as well as language barriers. As a result of the act, local authorities have a duty to provide "adequate and sufficient provision" for every child who has EAL, which is in practice similar to support provided in England. A co-ordinated support plan must be drawn up for children with the most extensive needs.