Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for educators, families, and school communities who are passionate about multilingualism, inclusion, and supporting children who use more than one language.

In Episode 55, Helen Bodell is joined by Katherine Solomon from The Bell Foundation to explore assessment for EAL learners and the Bell Foundation EAL Assessment Framework and Tracker.

Assessment can be a powerful tool for understanding and supporting multilingual learners, but assessing children who are learning English as an additional language can also present unique challenges. In this episode, Helen and Katherine explore how educators can use assessment to better understand pupils’ language development, identify their strengths and needs, and plan appropriate support.

Together, they discuss the Bell Foundation’s framework and tracker, exploring how these tools can help schools take a more structured and informed approach to assessing EAL learners and monitoring their progress over time.

• Why assessment is important for supporting learners with English as an additional language.
• The challenges educators may face when assessing EAL learners.
• An introduction to the Bell Foundation EAL Assessment Framework and Tracker.
• How the framework can help educators understand pupils’ language development.
• How assessment information can inform teaching, learning, and targeted support.
• The importance of recognising multilingual learners’ strengths alongside their areas for development.
• Practical ways schools can use assessment to monitor progress and support inclusion.

Effective assessment of EAL learners is about much more than measuring English proficiency. When used thoughtfully, assessment can help educators understand where a learner is in their language development, recognise the progress they are making, and ensure that appropriate support is in place.

Whether you teach EAL learners, work in an international or multilingual school, lead inclusion, or are looking for practical approaches to assessing language development, this episode offers valuable insights into how assessment can support both teachers and learners.

In this episode, Helen is joined by Katherine Solomon, Director of Programmes and Partnerships at The Bell Foundation. Katherine has extensive experience in EAL, teacher education and academic management in the UK and overseas, and holds an MA in Applied Linguistics and ELT. Her professional interests include EAL assessment and working with schools to develop effective and sustainable provision for learners who use EAL.

Join Twinkl EAL:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3

Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Book your free online EAL CPD sessions:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with educators who are passionate about multilingualism, inclusion, and supporting EAL learners to thrive.

Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for educators, families, and school communities who are passionate about multilingualism, inclusion, and supporting children who use more than one language.

In Episode 53, Helen Bodell is joined by Maria Dsouza to explore the important role that families and communities play in international schools and multilingual learning environments.

International schools bring together children and families from a wide range of linguistic, cultural, and educational backgrounds. In this episode, Helen and Maria discuss how schools can build meaningful partnerships with families, create a strong sense of belonging, and ensure that multilingual learners and their communities feel valued and included.

Together, they explore how effective communication, cultural understanding, and collaboration between home and school can support children’s academic progress, wellbeing, and identity.

• Why family engagement is essential in international and multilingual schools.
• How schools can create stronger partnerships with diverse communities.
• The connection between language, culture, identity, and belonging.
• Practical ways educators can welcome and support multilingual families.
• How international schools can celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity.
• Why communities are a powerful resource in supporting multilingual learners.

Families bring a wealth of knowledge, languages, experiences, and cultural perspectives into schools. When educators recognise these strengths and work collaboratively with families, they create learning environments where every child can thrive.

Whether you work in an international school, support multilingual learners, lead inclusion, or are interested in global education, this episode offers valuable reflection and practical ideas for strengthening family-school connections.

In this episode, Maria Dsouza shares her insights and experiences around the importance of family engagement, community connections, and creating inclusive spaces for multilingual learners within international school settings.

Join Twinkl EAL:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3

Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Book your free online EAL CPD sessions:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with educators and families who are passionate about multilingualism, inclusion, and creating welcoming learning communities.

Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for educators, families, and anyone passionate about multilingualism, inclusion, and creating environments where every child’s language and identity are valued.

In Episode 52, Helen Bodell is joined by Sarah Guinon for an inspiring conversation about supporting multilingual families and building communities where every language is recognised and celebrated.

Together, Helen and Sarah explore the experiences of multilingual families, the important connection between language and identity, and how schools and communities can create welcoming spaces where children feel proud of the languages they speak.

This episode highlights the importance of moving beyond simply supporting children to learn English and instead recognising multilingualism as a strength that enriches classrooms, families, and communities.

• Why celebrating home languages matters for children and families.
• How language connects to identity, belonging, and confidence.
• Practical ways educators can support multilingual families.
• How schools can create more inclusive and welcoming communities.
• The importance of valuing children’s linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• How collaboration between families, schools, and communities benefits multilingual learners.

Every child brings a unique linguistic and cultural story to school. When educators and communities celebrate these experiences, they create stronger connections and more inclusive learning environments where multilingual learners can thrive.

Whether you are a teacher, EAL Lead, school leader, parent, or community member, this episode offers thoughtful ideas and practical inspiration for supporting multilingual children and their families.

Sarah Guinon is passionate about multilingual education, language learning, and supporting educators to create inclusive environments for multilingual learners.

Through her work, Sarah explores how language can be celebrated as a powerful tool for connection, identity, and belonging.

Join Twinkl EAL:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3

Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63t

Book your free online EAL CPD sessions:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/the-twinkl-eal-collection-2587299

If you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues, families, and educators who are passionate about multilingualism and inclusive education.