Episode 26: Building an Inclusive School Community with Dr Robert Sharples and Jo Thomson | Creating Belonging for Multilingual Learners | Talking Their Language with Helen Bodell

Episode 26: Building an Inclusive School Community with Dr Robert Sharples and Jo Thomson | Creating Belonging for Multilingual Learners | 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 schools where every pupil feels valued and supported.In Episode 26, Helen Bodell is joined by Dr Robert Sharples, Lecturer in Language and Education at the University of Bristol and author of Teaching EAL: Evidence-Based Strategies for the Classroom and School, alongside Jo Thomson, Twinkl's EAL Content Writer and experienced primary teacher, to explore how schools can build truly inclusive communities.Together, they discuss practical ways schools can create environments where all pupils—including children learning English as an Additional Language (EAL)—feel welcomed, represented, and included.Helen, Robert, and Jo explore the importance of whole-school approaches, the role of relationships and belonging, and how schools can work together to ensure multilingual learners are supported both academically and socially.In this episode, you'll discover:What makes an inclusive school community.Why belonging and feeling welcomed are essential for learning.How whole-school approaches can support multilingual learners.Practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms and wider school environments.How staff collaboration can strengthen EAL provision.Ways schools can celebrate pupils’ languages, cultures, and identities.Creating an inclusive school community is about more than supporting individual learners—it is about developing a culture where diversity is valued and every child has the opportunity to participate, achieve, and thrive.Whether you are an EAL Lead, classroom teacher, teaching assistant, school leader, or education professional, this episode offers practical ideas for developing a more welcoming and inclusive school environment.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 experiences that help educators support multilingual learners and create inclusive classrooms and communities.