Do you have a child who is exposed to another language other than English?

This page aims to provide you with information to be able to support your child through their early years to the teenage years. 

Home language

It is important that you continue to use your heritage language with your child. Not only does this have a continuing and significant role in developing identity, but home language learning is also transferable to other languages and helps children and young people make sense of the world around them.

Insisting on an English only approach to language learning often results in fragmented development where the child does not develop proficiency in either language. If your child’s school is promoting an English-only speaking approach to learning, it is important to share this information.

Give children better experiences of language

Children who hear broad and rich conversations in their home language will have a better experience of language than listening to an adult tentatively using English.

Languages are easily transferred

If your child has previous educational experience, they may have already been taught about topics covered at school. Some concepts and ideas may already be familiar to them; the challenge lies not in understanding the lesson, but in transferring their thoughts and learning into their new language.

Makes the curriculum more accessible

If pupils are encouraged to share and discuss ideas in their home language, they are able to understand their learning better. If your child has good literacy skills in their home language, they can use this to support writing and can access books and texts at an appropriate level in the English language.

Support cognitive and language development

Multi/bilingual children outperform monolingual peers, showing that the continuation of home languages supports academic achievement.

Offer a sense of identity

There is a positive on being a multi/bilingual learner on identity, worth and esteem; all of which increases chances of being a successful learner. It is important that home languages are celebrated and valued at home and in school to encourage this.

Development of English proficiency

Studies have found that continuing to use home languages alongside new language learning makes the process of learning English easier and more rapid.

Useful websites

• My child understands everything but won’t talk in my language!
• Tips for raising a bilingual baby or child - NCT
• Raising a bilingual baby - BBC Tiny Happy People
• Approaches to raising bilingual children - BBC Future

Understanding the English education system

School year

In England, the school year starts on 1 September and ends on 31 August.

Types of schools

There are different types of schools:

• Community schools: Run by the local council. They follow the national rules.
• Voluntary and foundation schools: Also run by the council. Some are supported by religious groups like the Church of England
• Academies: Run by trusts. They do not have to follow national rules
• Special schools: For children with special needs. They need a special plan called EHCP
• Faith schools: Teach religion based on their belief
• Free schools: Run by groups but funded by the government
• University technical colleges: Focus on science and technology
• Independent schools: Charge money to attend. They make their own rules

School rules

All schools must teach a wide range of subjects. Children go to school for 190 days a year.

Early years (0-5)

Children learn through play and activities. There are 7 areas:

• Prime
  • Talking
  • Feelings
  • Moving
• Specific
  • Reading
  • Maths
  • Learning about the world
  • Art

Primary school (5-11)

Children start school at age 4 or 5. They learn subjects like:

• Maths, English, Science, Art, Computing, History, Languages, Music, Physical education.

They also learn about health and relationships.

Primary school tests

Children take tests at different times of their schooling:

• Reception: First check
• Year 1: Phonics test
• Year 2: Optional reading and maths tests
• Year 4: Times tables test
• Year 6: National tests in English and Maths

Secondary school (11-16)

Children start secondary school, also known as high school, at age 11 and learn:

• Maths
• English
• Science
• History
• Geography
• Languages
• Art
• Music
• PE
• Computing.

In Year 11, when they are 15 or 16, they take exams called GCSEs.

Extra subjects

Schools also teach:

• Relationships and health
• Religious education
• Heritage languages (some schools offer exams in your home language)

Education after 16

Young people must stay in education or training until age 18. Options include:

• A-Levels: Academic subjects
• T-Levels: Technical subjects with work experience
• Apprenticeships: Work and learn at the same time

University (18+)

To go to university, students apply through a system called UCAS. They choose courses and write a personal statement. They may get offers based on their grades.

Primary schools

A list of primary schools in Warrington 

Secondary schools

A list of secondary schools in Warrington

Schools in Warrington

Moving schools

Sometimes, children need to move to a new school during the school year. This is called an 'in-year transfer'. This happens when a family moves to a new home or comes from another country. This is not the same as starting school for the first time in Reception or moving from Year 6 to Year 7.

To apply, you need to fill out the In-Year Transfer Application Form.

The form has 7 parts. Parents or carers fill in parts 1 to 6. Your child’s current school fills in part 7.

If you are moving to Warrington from another country, you only need to fill in parts 1 to 6.

Nursery schools

Warrington has 1 nursery school and fifteen nursery classes in primary schools. Children usually go to nursery for 1 year before starting Reception. They can go for 15 or 30 hours a week.

Most children start in September, but nurseries may accept children during the year if they have space. Warrington Council also gives money to help pay for nursery places in private or community nurseries.

To apply for a nursery place starting in September, fill out a form in February. Send the form to your first-choice school.

Before you apply, read the nursery information booklet for parents.

To apply at other times, contact the nursery directly.

Some families can get free childcare for 2-year-olds. Our funded childcare places page has more information.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The EYFS refers to the Early Years Foundation Stage. The statutory framework for the EYFS sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years.

Play, and more importantly learning through play, is an essential part of the Early Years Foundation Stage. As children move into the reception year, a greater emphasis is placed on learning skills that will support and prepare children for the learning expectations in Year 1.

For children aged 0-4

In Warrington there are a range of settings that provide education and learning during your child's early years (ages 0-4). 

This includes:

• preschools
• day nurseries
• childminders
• private nursery schools
• out of school clubs

All of which can increase your child’s social skills and enable learning through play.

You are entitled to funded childcare if your child is age 3 or 4, and aged 2 in some cases.

If you need any advice or support about childcare and early years contact the council's Early Years Team by calling 01925 443131. They have specialist workers who support parents, carers and practitioners to make sure early education in Warrington is high quality.

Supporting your EAL children in EYFS

Supporting EAL learners in early years settings is very much based around the individual child. For example, your EAL child may understand very little or no English at all, whereas another may have a good understanding of the spoken English language but are not yet able to verbally articulate their needs. There will also be EAL learners who are able to both understand spoken English and can speak in English, yet English is not their home language or first language. The ways in which EAL learners are supported in early years settings will obviously depend on the age and stage of development of each individual child, too.

Due to these factors, it is clear that a 'one size fits all' solution cannot possibly be an option when discussing how to support EAL in early years. All EYFS children have the ability to learn, to build up resilience, and to be confident within the setting. The learning experiences and the guidance provided by a practitioner will have been chosen purposefully to support learning and development, and interactions will be tailored to the individual child depending on their needs. This is ideal for all early years children, but this approach can be especially beneficial for EAL learners.

Positive relationships are another essential overarching EYFS principle. This is where having a key person approach in early years is highly beneficial, as practitioners are able to get to know each of the children in their key person group exceptionally well. This allows the practitioner to discover essential information about the child's interests, abilities, motivations, difficulties and general personality traits. This information, along with what a child already knows and is already able to demonstrate, allows the key person to plan for future learning and development opportunities.

There may be times when your EAL child could find it a difficult to settle when beginning a new and unfamiliar EYFS setting. You are invaluable in this process as you can share information with the practitioner, which can be used to try to help with the settling-in process. You can also discuss the setting positively with the child in their first language, so they can try to alleviate any fears or worries. Your child’s setting will work to find a suitable way to communicate if there are any translation issues.

Useful websites

• What to expect in EYFS for parents
• Resources for Parents - Foundation Years
• Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - GOV.UK
• Best start in life - GOV.UK

Local childcare

Childcare

There are lots of different types of childcare on offer which you can mix and match to fit within your working hours, study or training. Information on the different types and what to consider when choosing childcare can be found at Living well online.

From 1 September 2025, eligible working parents in England can now get 30 hours of free childcare each week for children under 2 years old. This starts from the term after your child turns 9 months old, until they begin school.

Families of primary school aged children will also be able to access formal childcare before and after the school day between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

Things to consider when choosing childcare

To help you choose childcare, visit with your child while the other children are there.  Below are some EAL specific questions which may help you when visiting a setting:

Are there any resources in the setting in your home language or which represent other cultures for example stories, role play?

Are there any other children in the setting who use EAL? Do they appear to be accessing the resources and areas well?

Are there any staff who speak your home language or other languages?

Are there any displays which celebrate other languages, places or cultures?

Are there any cultural/religious adaptations to the food provided?

Are there any apps or websites that the setting use which are easily translated?

All settings should be Ofsted registered: ask to see their Ofsted registration and inspection certificate if you are unsure.

Paying for Childcare and Funding - GOV.UK

We have information on childcare funding on our pages.

If you’re a non-UK citizen who cannot claim benefits

If your immigration status says you have ‘no recourse to public funds’, you may still get free childcare for your 2-year-old. You must live in England and your household income after tax must be no more than:

£26,500 for families outside of London with one child

£34,500 for families within London with one child

£30,600 for families outside of London with two or more children

£38,600 for families within London with two or more children

You cannot have more than £16,000 in savings or investments.

Help paying for childcare: Free education and childcare for 2-year-olds if you claim certain benefits - GOV.UK

Finding childcare

It is important that you choose the right setting for your child and your family. Typing ‘find a nursery/childcare near me’ into a search engine will allow you to see local providers, but social media and word of mouth is also a useful way to find out about reputable local childcare providers.

Living Well Warrington

The Best Nurseries In Warrington - Locrating

Nurseries Warrington (Cheshire) - daynurseries.co.uk

Useful websites

• More information on childcare

SEND Guide for Parents and Carers

What is SEND?

SEND means Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Some children need extra help to learn and take part in school. This could be because of problems with learning, speaking, moving, or behaviour.

How to know if your child has SEND

If your child is learning English and also has trouble learning, it might be SEND. Teachers and parents need to work together to find out what kind of help the child needs.

Types of SEND

1. Communication and Interaction

Children may find it hard to talk to others or understand what people say. They may not know how to take turns in a conversation.

2. Cognition and learning

Some children learn slower than others. They may need more time and help to understand school work.

3. Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)

Some children feel very sad, worried, or angry. They may find it hard to make friends or follow rules.

4. Sensory and Physical Needs

Some children have trouble seeing, hearing, or moving. They may need special tools or help to learn.

Getting Help

If you think your child needs help, talk to their teacher or the SEND Coordinator (SENDCo). The school can make a plan to support your child.

SEND Register

You can choose to add your child to the SEND Register. This helps the local council share news and support with you.

Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

If your child needs more help than the school can give, you can ask for an EHCP. This is a plan that explains what help your child needs at school and at home.

Local Support Services

Warrington SENDIASS

This service gives free and private advice to parents of children with SEND. They can help you understand your rights and what support is available.

Warrington Youth Zone

This group helps children aged 7–19 who need support with feelings and behaviour. They offer mentors who meet with your child every week.

Warrington Play and Sensory Centre

This is a fun place for children with SEND. It has safe and fun activities for children with different needs.

Useful websites

• Special educational needs and disability (SEND)
• Local offer - SEND
• EHC needs assessments
• Warrington SENDIASS
• EAL and SEND: Guidance for Integrated Provision in Schools - The Bell Foundation

Social activities and events

Babies and Pre-school

There are many weekly and one-off events for babies, toddlers and pre-school aged children in Warrington. Social media is the best place to find up to date information about local sessions.

You can type in “Warrington Baby & Toddler Group” into Facebook which will bring up many events happening weekly.

Warrington also offer sessions at local Children’s Centres for free, or a sometimes a small donation. These are a great way to meet other new parents. The centres often hold short-term classes, such as baby massage, which can be booked onto in advance.

The Children’s Centres offer a variety of play and development opportunities, childcare, health advice and guidance, family support and parenting advice. With a particular focus on the most disadvantaged families, children’s centres aim to work with families to reduce inequalities in child development and school readiness.

Services are regularly reviewed and developed in each area to meet the needs of local families.

Children’s Centre services may include:

• crèches to support adult education and respite for family support
• adult education courses to gain qualifications and skills
• antenatal and post-natal care, including midwifery sessions (parent craft, rolling programme), health visitor advice, baby massage
• advice from a range of professionals such as Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB), health visitors, family support workers, parent partnership
• safe-buy scheme – safety equipment for the home at excellent prices
• volunteering opportunities
• stay and play sessions for parents/carers and their children

The Orchard Children's Centre, Hilden Road, WA2 0JP

Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

For children under five years old and their parents and carers.

All services are free of charge.

Email: centraleastcc@warrington.gov.uk or call 01925 443444.

Sandy Lane Children's Centre, Sandy Lane, Orford, WA2 9HY

Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

For children under five years old and their parents and carers.

All services are free of charge.

Email: centraleastcc@warrington.gov.uk or call 01925 443444.

Sunshine Children's Centre, O'Leary Street, WA2 7RQ

Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5pm

For parents and carers and their families, from prenatal to school age.

Email: centralsouthcc@warrington.gov.uk or call 01925 443444.

Westy Children's Centre, Tinsley Street, Latchford, WA4 1RE

Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5pm

For children between 0-5 years old and their parents and carers.

Email: centralsouthcc@warrington.gov.uk or call 01925 443444.

Great Sankey Children's Centre, Liverpool Road, WA5 1SB

For children aged between 0-5 years old and parents, carers and families.

Email: westclustercc@warrington.gov.uk or call 01925 443444.

Little Stars Children's Centre, Boulting Avenue, Dallam, WA5 0JG

Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

For children aged 0-5 years old and their families.

Email: westclustercc@warrington.gov.uk or call 01925 443444.

Baby Zone takes place each Thursday (9:30 – 2:30) at Youth Zone Warrington during term-time. There is no need to book and there are no timetables. Families show up and enter free of charge. There are over 30 evidence-based classes per session delivered by expert practitioners. Alongside this, Baby Zone offers soft plat, colouring tables, reading corners, puzzle rooms, sensory rooms and dance sessions for parents and children to participate in together. All classes and activities are focused on the at home learning environment, and most importantly, it's all about having fun. The classes are designed to empower the parents/primary carers.

Warrington Youth Zone, Dallam Lane, WA2 7NG

Monday to Friday, various hours

For children and young people aged 0–25

Email hello@babyzone.org.uk or call 01925 977277

Warrington Play and Sensory Centre is a purpose built activity centre for disabled children and adults or those with special needs. They also offer sessions to the general public throughout the week. These sessions need pre-booking.

Facilities have been planned carefully, and are fully accessible to ensure that time spent there is as enjoyable as possible.

Warrington Play & Sensory Centre, Woolston Neighbourhood Hub, Hall Road, Warrington, WA1 4PN

Telephone: 01925 817347

Email: sensorycentre@warrington.gov.uk

Children

There are many weekly and one-off clubs and events for children in Warrington. Click here for a directory of some of the clubs offered.

Warrington Youth Zone offer more than 20 activities per day for children and young people over the age of seven; including film making, fashion design, rock climbing plus many more! There is an annual £5 membership fee and classes are charged at 50p per session.

Junior sessions (ages 7-12)

Tuesday 4 - 8pm

Thursday 4 - 8pm

Saturday 11 - 3pm

Senior sessions (ages 12 – 19 or up to 25 with additional needs)

Monday 4pm - 9pm

Wednesday 4pm - 9pm

Friday 4pm - 10pm

Saturday 4pm - 10pm

Warrington Youth Zone, Dallam Lane, WA2 7NG

Monday to Friday, various hours

Email: info@wyz.org.uk

Phone: 01925 977277

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

22nd Warrington Rainbows, Thursdays, Tim Parry Community Centre, Great Sankey (ages 5-7)

35th Warrington Rainbows, Tuesdays, Raikes Close, Hood Manor (ages 5-7)

37th Warrington Rainbows, Mondays, Bewsey Barns Community Centre, Old Hall (ages 4-7)

Through regular meetings, special events, day trips, sleepovers, camps and holidays, Brownies learn new hobbies, play music, explore other cultures and get adventurous outdoors. Girls aged 7 to 10 can also extend their knowledge and abilities by working towards interest badges similar to Rainbows.

22nd Warrington Brownies, Wednesdays, Tim Parry Community Centre (ages 7-10)

35th Warrington Brownies, Mondays, Tim Parry Community Centre (ages 7-10)

Guides is a section for girls aged 10 to 14. Members take part in a wide range of exciting activities at their regular meetings, and at special events or holidays. Girls can get involved in anything from adventure sports to performing arts, travel and taking part in community action projects.

35th Warrington Guides, Thursdays, Tim Parry Community Centre (ages 10-14)

35th Warrington Rangers, Thursdays, Tim Parry Community Centre (ages 14-18)

To register visit girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-a-child, email 37thwarringtonrainbows@gmail.com or call 07773 011795

Scouts

Useful websites

• Warrington Children’s Centres - Facebook
• Baby Zone to begin at Warrington Youth Zone - Warrington Youth Zone

Supporting my child at home

Supporting your child’s learning at home can be a daunting prospect, even for those who have been through the English education system themselves. However, there are many things you can do as an EAL parent to help your child succeed at school, both emotionally and academically. Parents and homework

It is important to be aware of the school’s expectations regarding homework.

There are a number of ways you can use home language(s) to support learning at home. Here are a few suggestions:

Share stories in your home language as much as possible

Read aloud to your child/children in their home language daily

Help your child/children with homework by using both English and home language, for example talking about a subject with your child/children entirely in their home language and then complete homework in English

Speak your native language at home. Fluency in two languages has been shown to improve a person's ability to multitask, pay attention, solve problems and think creatively. Bilingualism also has been linked to boosting working memory performance.

Make your child feel proud to be able to understand and speak more than one language

Read books and stories together in your first language

Introduce your child to Warrington’s libraries

Allow your child to watch their favourite TV shows in their first language

Learning a new language is very tiring, your brain has to work harder to process and produce information which drains cognitive resources and energy. Ensure that your child is well rested, ready for another day of learning!

Make contact with other parents of EAL children and encourage contact between the children

Volunteer your time in your child’s school – can you spare some time to teach your child’s class about your culture?

If you have any concerns about your child’s proficiency in English, ensure you talk to the class teacher or Head of Year

Guidance for parents of students who use EAL: Helping children learn - The Bell Foundation

Learning support

Online Maths and English resources for all ages - IXL - Learning Hub

Resources and games for Year 1 – 11 - Oak National Academy

Phonics Games - PhonicsPlay

Support Activities - Twinkl

Online games and resources for all subjects for EYFS to Year 11 - BBC Bitesize

Online games and resources for all subjects for EYFS to Year 11 - Topmarks