Young Interpreters Scheme
Join the Norfolk group of schools setting up the Young Interpreters scheme.
The EAL/EDC Advisory Service would like to invite your school to take part in the Young Interpreters Scheme which we are setting up in Norfolk, in collaboration with Hampshire EMTAS who designed the initial scheme.
What is the Young Interpreters scheme?
The scheme is aimed at Primary and Secondary school children, and involves a group of pupils who have an empathetic outlook in welcoming new arrivals to the school and supporting them during their induction period, as well as with ongoing social situations around school.
Most of the participants have another language and can act as an "interpreter", showing the child around, explaining cultural differences, how school procedures work, etc. They are a friendly face to help out during those first few weeks.
Some Young Interpreters may be monolingual, but have an understanding and compassionate manner and the scheme allows them to be acknowledged for their willingness to help. The Young Interpreters involved also feel as though their language skills and abilities are being utilised and valued.
The school, through the Young Interpreter Scheme, undertakes to train the young people using the resources provided, ensuring safeguarding protocols are met, for example using Language Line or other INTRAN services to interpret personal data, difficult situations etc, not the young people.
Often the Young Interpreters meet together to prepare resources that can help a new arrival such as maps of the school site, useful visual, translated lists for science or maths, etc, list of clubs, and other useful resources.
Cost
The scheme is fully funded for the 2023/2024 academic year.
Information session
We are planning further sessions for you to find out more about the scheme and hear from Norfolk schools who have already set this up. Please keep an eye on this section for future information session dates.
Contact
For further details contact inclusionandsend@norfolk.gov.uk.