Episode 14: Supporting Refugee Learners Through Education with Catherine Gladwell | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Episode 14: Supporting Refugee Learners Through Education with Catherine Gladwell | Talking Their Language with Helen BodellWelcome 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 educational communities.In Episode 14, Helen Bodell is joined by Catherine Gladwell, Founder and Chief Executive of Refugee Education UK, to discuss how schools can support young refugees and help them access education, develop confidence, and build brighter futures.Refugee Education UK is a national charity supporting young refugees across the UK through education. Catherine shares her expertise on the barriers refugee learners can face, the importance of educational opportunities, and the practical ways schools can create welcoming environments where refugee and asylum-seeking pupils can thrive.In this important conversation, Helen and Catherine explore the experiences of young refugees entering the UK education system, the role of schools in supporting belonging and inclusion, and how educators can provide effective support for learners who may be developing English as an Additional Language (EAL) while adapting to a new environment.In this episode, you'll discover:The educational experiences and challenges faced by young refugees.How schools can create welcoming and inclusive environments for refugee learners.Practical approaches for supporting pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL).The importance of belonging, wellbeing, and relationships in education.How teachers and school communities can support refugee children and young people.Why access to education is central to helping young refugees build their futures.Meet Catherine GladwellCatherine Gladwell is the Founder and Chief Executive of Refugee Education UK, a non-profit organisation supporting young refugees across the UK to access education and build brighter futures.Catherine has grown Refugee Education UK from a small volunteer project into a national charity, leading its strategy and development. She has worked in 16 countries, including Afghanistan, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and Jordan.She has published research and policy papers, regularly speaks at conferences and events, and contributes to discussions about refugee education and inclusion. Catherine holds a degree from Oxford University, a Master's degree in Education and International Development from the Institute of Education, and is an honorary fellow at Winchester University.Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, school leader, or education professional, this episode provides valuable insight into supporting refugee learners and creating education systems where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.Find out moreRefugee Education UK:https://www.reuk.org/Explore more Twinkl EAL resourcesJoin Twinkl EAL:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/72uh3Browse the full Twinkl EAL resource collection:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx63tIf you enjoyed this episode of Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with colleagues. Each episode explores the experiences, research, and practical strategies that help educators support multilingual learners and create inclusive schools where every child and young person can flourish.