All pupils newly arrived from overseas have the same entitlement to free, government-funded, part-time early years education as settled residents. The foundation stage, with its focus on active learning and oral development, can make a substantial contribution to the language skills of pupils for whom English is an additional language.

Local authorities (LAs) and schools have a general duty under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act (2000) to 'eliminate unlawful racial discrimination and promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups'.

Schools also have a specific duty to monitor and assess how their policies affect minority ethnic pupils, staff and parents.

Inclusive schools recognise that some groups of pupils experience disadvantage in our society and may not enjoy equal access to entitlements and services.  These schools actively promote equality of opportunity, and ensure that newly arrived pupils and families do not experience additional barriers that will impact on their progress and well-being.

All children of compulsory school age in the UK have a right of access to education. This includes asylum seekers and refugees, EEA nationals and children accompanying parents who have the right of abode in or leave to enter the UK. 

It is important that schools and LAs are clear about the educational entitlements and options available for post-16 education. The DCSF has identified that good arrangements for induction should resolve issues of immediate concern (Managing pupil mobility: guidance, 2003). Information and guidance on these issues is provided on this site through the following links:

• free school meals
• school clothing and uniform grants
• school travel and transport

When planning certain types of educational visits it is important to consider the specific needs of some newly arrived pupils.

These include:

• pupils who are entitled to the remission of charges made for the cost of board and lodging during residential school trips
• non-British and non-EU nationals, asylum seekers and pupils without passports, who will all need special arrangements to go on overseas school visits.