The DfE recently published its consultation response including the decision to change the wording from “must” to “may” in the above statement. It explains that the aim is to “alleviate what could be an unreasonable request of some providers” (DfE, 2023a:11) if there are multiple home languages in the setting, to allows settings to focus on the acquisition of English and to offer settings flexibility to support the needs of each child (DfE, 2023a).
“Altering the language to ‘may’ would mean we will no longer be requiring practitioners to do this, but instead encourage them to decide themselves how to best support children with English as an Additional Language.” (DfE, 2023a, p. 18)
However, with an increase in language diversity that has doubled since 2006 to over 20% (DfE, 2023b), it seems necessary to make sure that the inclusion of all languages are considered, not only to support all forms of communication and language but to help children feel they belong and provide them with a much-needed connection between home and setting.
Early Education responded that the change was deeply concerning as a fundamental issue of inclusion and diversity. If settings are not prepared to take reasonable steps to support children with EAL, they would almost by definition be acting unreasonably.
