When might I need an interpreter? 

You may have families who speak little or no English and therefore achieving clear communication may be difficult.  Where there is a requirement to communicate key information, it is recommended that an interpreter be used to ensure confidentiality and accuracy in interpretation. 

*It is not recommended to use family members, friends or learners as interpreters

Can parents/carers request and interpreter? 

Parents/carers should be made aware that they have the right to the assistance of a trained interpreter, should they require one to facilitate communication with the school. Parents/carers can request this and the school should make appropriate arrangements.  

How do I work with an Interpreter? 

The following guidelines are recommended as examples of good practice when working with interpreters:  

 Preparation 

• Parents who speak little or no English can indicate their language using the “Language Identification” chart, attached.  
• A calendar can also be used to agree a suitable date and time with the parents to return for the meeting. 
• School staff should obtain a contact name and telephone number.  
• School staff can then contact Fife Community Interpreting Service (FCIS) – see contact details below- and request an interpreter for the language the parents have indicated.  
• Plan the format of the meeting, including any questions or note of information that needs to be passed on or gathered. 

At the Meeting 

• Ensure the language required has been correctly identified.  
• The interpreter should sit next to the parents/carers. 
• All participants should be correctly introduced, including the interpreter.  
• Staff member should speak directly to the parents/carers and NOT to the interpreter.  
• Participants should speak in short sentences or phrases, allowing a pause for the interpreter to interpret. 
• Everything said should be interpreted accurately.   

After the meeting 

• After the meeting, the school staff should complete the FCIS evaluation forms.  

  Additional information:

• Interpreting and translation fees incurred by schools will be met by the Education & Children’s Service providing correct procedures have been followed. FCIS charge for the first hour and, thereafter, for each 15 minutes – it is therefore important to make effective use of this time. 

• Schools should contact FCIS giving the details of the language, date, time and venue of booking, requester’s name, contact details and approximate length of the assignment. 

• FCIS may also be able to confirm meeting arrangements with parents some time beforehand, in which case schools should provide the following additional details: parents’/carers’ names and contact telephone numbers.

FCIS contact details: 

Tel: 01592 261 900 Fax: 01592 263 800   

Email: info@fcis.org.uk  web: www.fcis.org.uk