Episode 25: EYFS and EAL with Denise Amankwah | Supporting Multilingual Children in Early Years Settings | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Episode 25: EYFS and EAL with Denise Amankwah | Supporting Multilingual Children in Early Years Settings | Talking Their Language with Helen BodellWelcome to Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell, the podcast for teachers, early years practitioners, EAL specialists, and educators who are passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating inclusive, language-rich environments.In Episode 25, Helen Bodell is joined by Denise Amankwah, Speech and Language Advisor at Speech and Language UK, to discuss supporting children learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).Together, Helen and Denise explore how early years practitioners can support multilingual children’s communication, language development, confidence, and sense of belonging. They discuss the importance of understanding children’s linguistic backgrounds and recognising the valuable role that home languages play in early learning.Denise shares her expertise in language and literacy, drawing on her experience working in multilingual early years settings, research, and her current work supporting schools and settings through the London EAL project.In this episode, you'll discover:How early years practitioners can support children learning EAL.The importance of language-rich environments in EYFS settings.How children’s home languages support communication and learning.Strategies for developing vocabulary, confidence, and participation.The connection between speech, language, literacy, and multilingual development.Practical ideas for supporting bilingual and multilingual children in early years classrooms.Meet Denise AmankwahDenise Amankwah has a passion for languages, communication, and early childhood education. She recently completed her Master's in Education, specialising in Language and Literacy, and also holds an undergraduate degree in Linguistics.Denise currently works as a Speech and Language Advisor on the London EAL project at Speech and Language UK(formerly I CAN), supporting educators to better understand and support multilingual children.Her professional background is rooted in the Early Years sector, including experience as a Senior Early Years Practitioner in a multilingual school and as a remote Early Years teacher. She has also worked in research roles focused on language and literacy development.Denise is Ghanaian by heritage and is passionate about supporting education communities and sharing her expertise with schools in Ghana and beyond.Whether you are an early years practitioner, EAL Lead, nursery teacher, reception teacher, teaching assistant, or school leader, this episode offers practical ideas for supporting young multilingual learners as they develop communication skills and confidence.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 research, practical strategies, and inspiring experiences that help educators support multilingual learners from the earliest stages of their educational journey.