During the first few days, the priority is creating a positive and supportive environment for new EAL learners. Begin by greeting them warmly and introducing key staff and classmates to reduce anxiety. Provide a tour of the school, highlighting important areas like toilets, lunch hall, and classrooms. Use visuals, translated welcome packs, and simple language to explain routines. Pair the student with a friendly buddy who can help with social and practical aspects. Avoid overwhelming them with academic tasks—focus instead on building confidence through short, achievable activities and opportunities for interaction. Regular check-ins with the learner and family help identify needs early and foster trust.

The EIS has produced a suite of educational packs to welcome young people from migrant and refugee families into Scottish schools.

The Welcome Packs are specific to four age ranges (Early Years, P1-P4, P5-S3, and S4-S6), and are designed to inform young people and their parents of their rights as pupils/students in Scottish education and to convey a positive, welcoming message to the young people about Scotland as their new home.

The booklets included in the packs aim to give newly arrived young people and their families some information about school education in Scotland, as well as some background about Scotland itself by way of introduction to the country.

https://www.eis.org.uk/policy-and-publications/welcometoscotland