By Gavin Mackintosh-
Young children with English as a second language who join English schools at an early age develop reading skills faster than native speakers , according to a British government report.
This is because the brain activity used in picking up the complexities of a foreign native language can equip the mind better to adapt to another language when living in the environment where that language is spoken from a young age.
A new report, released today, shows that last year EAL pupils who joined an English school in reception were slightly more likely to reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at the end of key stage 2 than those whose first language is English, with 68 per cent hitting the target compared to 65 per cent of native English speakers.
The data claims that the pattern continues at key stage 4, with EAL pupils who joined an English school before year 2 having a higher average attainment 8 score that pupils whose first language is English. The report claims that the chances of EAL pupils outperforming their peers declines the later they arrive in English schools.
Those who joined an English school after reception are less likely to reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths than their peers even if they joined in year one. Those who join after year 3 are less likely to have a higher attainment 8 score, the data states.
The data is a is more general than specific and does not apply to every group of children with English as a second language.