Devon has representatives from a wide range of minority ethnic groups. There is currently a total of over 60 different languages being spoken. The DfES PLASC 2006 (Summer 2006) recorded 97,836 pupils of compulsory school age; 3,466 minority ethnic pupils, 967 pupils for whom English is an Additional Language.

A number of bilingual pupils are from the long established Chinese community in the South West. Others come from families representing a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances, eg;

• Hotel and catering businesses
• Exeter University students
• Hospital staff
• Various company employees
• Refugees
• Migrants from Hong Kong and Eastern Europe

A large number of families live in urban areas such as Exeter.  There is a small Indian and Bengali community in Exeter as well as a Bengali community in Barnstaple.

A feature of Devon is the isolated bilingual learner.  Frequently one child represents a language or culture.

Recent changes regarding EU enlargement accounts for families arriving from Europe, especially Poland.

The Service is aiming to increase the number of bilingual assistants who, under the guidance of specialist teachers, work directly with pupils for whom English is not the first language.

Also on devon.gov.uk

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