Episode 17: Supporting Refugee Children and New Arrivals with Buddy Box Founder Mark Hill | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Episode 17: Supporting Refugee Children and New Arrivals with Buddy Box Founder Mark Hill | 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 welcoming, inclusive classrooms.In Episode 17, Helen Bodell is joined by Mark Hill MBE, founder of Buddy Box, to discuss how schools can support refugee children and newly arrived pupils as they begin their educational journey in the UK.Mark is an Armed Forces veteran and entrepreneur from Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire. Through Buddy Box, he has developed a practical communication tool designed to help children who are new to English build confidence, connect with classmates, and feel more comfortable in their new school environment.Buddy Box was created to support Ukrainian and Afghan refugee children attending schools across the UK. It acts as an icebreaker, helping pupils communicate with peers and teachers through fun, accessible activities that introduce essential vocabulary and everyday language.In this episode, Helen and Mark explore the importance of belonging, communication, and confidence for multilingual learners, particularly children arriving in schools with little or no English. They discuss how simple, child-friendly resources can help schools create a supportive environment where new arrivals feel welcomed and included.In this episode, you'll discover:How Buddy Box supports refugee children and pupils new to English.Practical ways schools can help new arrivals settle into the classroom.The importance of communication, confidence, and belonging for multilingual learners.How simple resources can support early English language development.Strategies for helping children build relationships with teachers and peers.The role of inclusive practice in supporting children from diverse backgrounds.About Buddy BoxBuddy Box is an educational resource designed to help children communicate when they are new to English. It introduces key vocabulary and language through engaging activities covering topics such as:The alphabetNumbersDays of the week and months of the yearShapes and coloursClassroom objectsEveryday conversationsFood and drinkTelling the timeThe resource has been recognised by NALDIC (the National Association for Language Development in the Curriculum), the professional association for those working with and supporting children learning English as an Additional Language.Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode offers practical inspiration for welcoming refugee learners, supporting new arrivals, and creating classrooms where every child can communicate and thrive.Connect with Mark HillFind Mark Hill on LinkedIn.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 practical strategies, expert insights, and real-world experiences that help educators support multilingual learners and create inclusive schools where every child belongs.