Online Background Collation Tool for New Arrivals

Online background collation tool for new arrivals http://newarrivals.segfl.org.uk/

Introduction

When children and young people who have recently arrived from abroad, enrol at a new school, it is critical to ensure that the correct information is recorded at point of entry.

The most effective way to collect background information from a new arrival learner and their family is to set up a parent conference and provide a bilingual interpreter, where necessary. This is always the best solution. However, it is recognised that it is not always possible to obtain an interpreter at short notice.

How does the tool work?

The purpose of this tool is to support the induction and early profiling of newly arrived pupils/students from minority ethnic backgrounds where it is not possible to obtain an interpreter. It provides a framework for collecting background information that will help schools think about the most effective provision for the newly arrived learner.

The tool is most suitable for use with learners who have

 recently arrived in the UK from abroad  transferred within the UK from another school

This online questionnaire is presented in a range of different languages with additional support from audio buttons that provide an oral version of each question. The tool has been designed to minimise the amount of typed responses, so most questions only require the user to select from a list of options, although space is sometimes provided for the user to type in extra information.

The tool does not store any information and therefore must be completed all in one sitting. Upon completion, a formatted report will be displayed, and you may save the page, print it or copy and past the text into a new document such as an early profile.

The tool is freely accessible to all schools and Local Authorities across the country. It continues to be developed as colleagues across the country offer suggestions for improvement and provide new oral/written translations.

Benefits for users

The tool will support schools and other educational settings gather information about new arrival EAL learners and their families that will help to ensure the most appropriate provision in the early stages of their involvement in the education system. Whilst the tool does not assess ability as such, it will help in the early identification of any potential additional educational needs, including SEN, G&T and potential interventions required for learners to catch up with their proficiency in English.

Contributors (as of 15.9.2010)

Portsmouth CC, Hampshire LA, Rochdale, Medway CC, Reading CC, Cambridge LA, East Sussex, Brighton & Hove CC, Tameside, Cambridge Education@ Islington