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

If your child is enrolled in a school but doesn't have satisfactory language skills to take part fully in the school curriculum and does not have a language in common with the teacher, they are called a “newcomer” pupil.

Newcomer pupils

Newcomer pupils in schools speak about 80 different languages representing a variety of cultures. The most popular languages spoken are Polish, Lithuanian, Portuguese and Romanian. To read more information about newcomers, go to:

Newcomers

Intercultural Education Service

The Intercultural Education Service (IES) supports newcomer children in the classroom. To read more about IES, go to:

Intercultural Education Service: Newcomer Provision

Guidelines

The Department of Education published guidelines in association with the policy 'Supporting Newcomer Pupils 2009'. These guidelines are about criteria for identifying a pupil as a newcomer and sharing good practice and can be viewed below:

Newcomer Guidelines for Schools (PDF 703KB)

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Extra comments (optional)

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

Newcomer pupils

Intercultural Education Service

Guidelines

Translation help

Help improve this page - send your feedback

Messages

What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment