Supporting multilingual learners (ML) in school and at home

Multilingual learners (ML) in Jersey schools

Multilingual learners (ML) are students who are exposed to a language other than English at home. This includes a child living with parents whose native language is not English.

Children and young people in Jersey schools speak more than 84 different languages.

In Jersey schools, we celebrate and support students from all language backgrounds. We believe multilingualism is an asset.

Your child’s home language plays an important role in their cognitive, emotional, social, and identity development. It's the foundation for them to learn other languages and continuing to develop it is key to their success.

How to support your child with their home language

Parents and families are essential in maintaining and developing their child's home language.

As a parent, encouraging your child to use their home language other than English:

helps connect them to their family’s heritage
gives them a sense of belonging to a larger culture
helps them build skills that will be useful in their future career

To help your child maintain and grow their home language, you can:

teach your child the value of being multilingual
remind them that speaking more than 1 language helps them connect with other communities and opens up more opportunities to travel, study, and work
make sure your child understands the importance of their family’s heritage and culture
share family stories, songs, and traditions
attend community cultural events