My challenge is to remove barriers to learning within the mainstream classroom for pupils with special educational needs and English as an additional language (EAL). As a senior leader, I recognise that teachers are struggling to adapt the curriculum to cater for the ever increasing diverse pupil needs within the classroom; and the reduction of additional adult support due to budget cuts has made this situation worse. Many years ago, Ethnic Minority Achievement (EMA) Teachers were in place to ensure that EAL pupils were on an even footing with their peers, but due to budget constraints these teachers no longer exist. Working within an inner London city school, my pupil population has approximately 90% of EAL learners with newly arrived refugees new to English; a high percentage of disadvantaged pupils; and a higher than national average special educational need register, which is increasing year on year. Removing these learning barriers will enable every child to have equal opportunities in education, regardless of background; socio-economic status; or special educational learning needs, which will significantly improve their life chances.