Understanding language policies in multilingual schools (Webinar)
- Date
- 23 September 2026
- Time
- 4:00pm
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Run by The Bell Foundation, Webinar
- Location
- Online
Developing a Language Policy for Multilingual Schools: Coventry’s Model (Webinar)
This webinar will explore the Coventry Language Policy project, uniting all aspects of languages into one coherent framework for schools.
Language lies at the heart of learning, belonging, and achievement, yet many schools lack a coherent framework for recognising and building on the linguistic diversity of their pupils. In the second webinar in this series*, Dr Eowyn Crisfield (Oxford Centre for Multilingualism and Education(opens in new tab)) and Amanda Millican (Coventry Ethnic Minority Achievement Service(opens in new tab)) will share the rationale behind the development of Coventry's new Language Policy Framework for schools.
Drawing on research, local context, and extensive consultation with school leaders and practitioners, the framework has been designed to help schools take a strategic approach to multilingualism, language development, and inclusion. The framework brings together English as an Additional Language (EAL), English, modern foreign languages, and home, heritage and community languages. In the webinar, Eowyn and Amanda will explore:
- Why a language policy is needed in schools;
- The process of co-constructing the framework with Coventry partners;
- Working with EAL co-ordinators who supported the consultation process;
- Next stages of supporting schools to understand the policy in practice and draft their own implementation plans.
With the official launch of the Coventry Language Policy Framework taking place on 12 October 2026, this session offers an opportunity to learn about the journey so far, key themes emerging from consultation, and the potential impact of a whole-school approach to language for pupils, families, and staff.
*The first webinar in this series is on 23 September, where Dr Karen Forbes will explore research informed principles for developing cohesive school language policies. To sign up for the webinar, click here: Understanding language policies in multilingual schools (Webinar) - The Bell Foundation(opens in new tab)
Speakers:
- Dr Eowyn Crisfield, Founder and Academic Director of Oxford Collaborative for Multilingualism in Education.
- Amanda Millican, Advisory Teacher and Team Lead for the Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS) in Coventry.
- Steph Azarpey, Lead for Home, Heritage and Community Languages at Sidney Stringer Academy in Coventry.
- Mair Coonan, Assistant Headteacher at Henley Green Primary School in Coventry.
- Sheila Hopkins, Policy and Practice Officer (EAL Programme) at The Bell Foundation.
Who should register for the webinar:
- Staff with responsibility for EAL in primary and secondary schools;
- EAL coordinators;
- School leaders.
Why you should register for this webinar:
- One-hour intensive session with Q&A;
- Access to session recording;
- First to hear about future webinars and how to sign up.
If you have any questions that specifically relate to the webinar topic, which you would like answered during the live session, please send them to: webinar@bell-foundation.org.uk.
If the webinar is full, please complete the wait list form and you will be contacted if a place becomes available. Everyone on the wait list will be sent a copy of the webinar recording.
Ticket sales close 3 November 12:00 UK time.
If you are viewing this event after ticket sales have closed, please click here(opens in new tab) to register for our newsletter and receive updates on future webinars or online courses.
The webinar URL will be issued 90 minutes before the session. When you receive the webinar URL, please check that it takes you to the event room, and if not, please email: info@bell-foundation.org.uk. Please note that you will not be able to log in to the webinar event room in advance. Please check your “junk” folder if you have not received this information one hour before the event.
Important notice: there are only two websites authorised to promote and take bookings for this event run by The Bell Foundation. These are: The Bell Foundation’s website and Eventbrite. Please do not book, or express interest in, this event through any other website or platform.
Event details
Price
Free
- Date
- Time
-
Type
Run by The Bell Foundation, Webinar
-
Location
Online