The Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant (EMAG) is part of the DCSF Standards Fund.
The aim of the EMAG is to raise the attainment of ethnic minority pupils and is currently ring-fenced for this purpose.
In Newcastle the EMAG is devolved to schools using a fair and transparent formula agreed by the Schools Forum, and is aimed at raising the attainment of EM/EAL pupils working below age related expectations.

Each year, usually around the end of October, all schools in Newcastle are asked to submit the Annual Audit of their BME / EAL pupils to the local Authority.

The information supplied provides a data base of BME / EAL pupils and includes information such as:

• Pupil's Country of Origin *
• First Language
• National Curriculum Level in English/ QCA Extended Scales Levels

Using the Formula agreed by the Schools Forum, the funding is devolved to schools in the April after the Audit.
Schools have the opportunity to use their devolved funding to buy back experienced EAL teachers and bilingual assistants from EMTRAS.

For pupils working at or above National Curriculum Level 2 in English you need record only the National Curriculum Level.
Just one overall level is recorded which is a "best fit" of Speaking / Listening / Reading and Writing. This should include a sub-level. e.g. 3b, 4a,.

Pupils working below National Curriculum Level 2 should be assessed using the QCA Extended Scales for the assessment of pupils with EAL.
Again, only one overall level is recorded which is a "best fit" of Listening / Speaking / Reading and Writing.
These scales are used and recognised nationally in the assessment of EAL pupils.

Pupils in Nursery and Reception classes should be assessed on Speaking and Listening only. A "best fit" level should be recorded.

The QCA Extended Scales are published in "A Language in Common"
This publication supports the assessment of pupils of all ages for whom English is an additional language, and includes the principles underlying assessment and assessment scales.

For the purpose of this Audit, do not use P - scales even if the child has Special Educational Needs (SEN).


* Information on First Language / Country of Origin should be recorded on the
"English as an Additional Language Record", along with other vital information on the background of BME / EALpupils .