Episode 49: Beyond Ofsted – Multilingual Learners and Inclusion with Soofia Amin | Effective EAL Provision in Schools | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Welcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, school leaders, EAL specialists, and educators who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating inclusive schools where every pupil can succeed.

In Episode 49, Helen Bodell is joined by Soofia Amin for a thoughtful conversation exploring EAL provision, inclusion, and what effective support for multilingual learners looks like in schools.

Together, Helen and Soofia discuss the relationship between Ofsted, school improvement, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision, exploring how schools can move beyond preparing for inspection and instead develop sustainable, inclusive approaches that genuinely support pupils who use additional languages.

This episode explores how schools can create environments where multilingual learners feel valued, understood, and supported, while ensuring that language development is embedded across the curriculum.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What effective EAL provision looks like in schools.
• How schools can support multilingual learners through inclusive practice.
• The role of leadership in developing strong EAL approaches.
• How inspectors may consider provision for pupils learning English as an additional language.
• Practical strategies for improving outcomes for multilingual learners.
• Why inclusion must be part of everyday school practice, not just an inspection focus.

Supporting multilingual learners effectively is about more than meeting requirements. It is about creating classrooms and whole-school systems where language, identity, and belonging are recognised as essential parts of every learner’s educational experience.

Whether you are a headteacher, EAL Lead, classroom teacher, SENDCO, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode provides valuable reflection and practical ideas for strengthening EAL provision.

Meet Soofia Amin

Soofia Amin is passionate about equity, inclusion, and improving educational experiences for multilingual learners.

Through her work and professional insight, Soofia supports educators in thinking critically about EAL provision, inclusive practice, and how schools can create meaningful opportunities for all learners.

Explore more Twinkl EAL resources

Join Twinkl EAL:

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

Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:

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

Free EAL CPD sessions

Book your free online EAL CPD sessions:

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

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