Welcoming a new arrival and their family – induction

A new arrival is used to describe pupils who are international migrants, including refugees, asylum seekers children of people working or studying in England and economic migrants from overseas. This definition implies that they are newly arrived from outside the United Kingdom, rather than new to a school from another area of Britain.

Schools in Powys already have children from all over the world and through different refugee schemes. Approximately 750 pupils in Powys speak 57 different first languages. It is important to welcome new families, gather background information on their education, language and information about themselves. This will support the admissions procedures, transition, allow them to rapidly settle in and support their well-being and curriculum provision needs.

You may also receive a pupil who has moved from another school in the UK or Wales and is still relatively new to the UK education system.

Children will learn best when they feel secure and valued. Schools need to ensure that there is a supportive induction process for newly arrived pupils to ensure their safety.

Watch this new arrival video – Hampshire EMTAS

How to make your school and community welcoming – top tips

• Display welcome and words in the pupils first language

• Learn a few words in their first language

• Smile and use positive body language, facial expressions and tone

• Choose a few buddies who you know will be empathetic and supportive. Make sure they are available to support at lunch and break times, and are clear about their role

• Invest in some bi-lingual and visual resource to support the pupil in their first language

• Ensure all your staff are aware of any cultural sensitives or experiences as appropriate

Induction Support – top tips

• Ensure each member of your school staff is aware of their role with the family and pupils induction Use the example checklist from the Vulnerable groups Team - induction for a new arrival

• Arrange a pre-visit

• Gather information – there is a range of documents for this available in this section

• Provide information for parents about school life – is it in their first language?

• Provide the parent with ‘The initial parent meeting document’ in their first language prior to any meetings

• Arrange a tour for the new pupil and parents/carers - is first language support needed?

• Provide basic survival language

• Arrange a start date and possible phased entry/time table

• Prepare resources for their first day-weeks

• Plan support across a day

Bell Foundation promotes a useful EAL induction programme

They emphasise the importance of planning the support offered to the new arrival in the initial period at the school, from admission to the first weeks.

Use this link to find out more

The following documents are support and guidance that you can tailor to suit your needs, when you receive a new multilingual learner in your school or setting.