If your child’s first language isn’t English or Irish

If your child has enrolled in a school but does not have satisfactory language skills to participate fully in the school curriculum and does not have a language in common with the teacher, they are referred to as a “newcomer” pupil.

Newcomer pupils

There has been a steady growth in the number of newcomer pupils from various parts of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas enrolling in schools here. This has enriched the diversity of our population, our cultural perspectives and has changed significantly the range of languages spoken here.

Support available

The role of the regional Inclusion and Diversity Service is to strengthen and improve support for newcomer children and young people and their parents, primarily working through schools.

You can find more information about education for newcomers and support provided by the Inclusion and Diversity Service on their multi-lingual website.