Whole school approach to EAL in schools

The Young Interpreter Scheme recognises the huge potential in children and young people (CYP) of all ages to use their skills and knowledge to support new learners of English so that they feel safe, settled and valued from the start.

• Making the scheme available to both bilingual and monolingual learners is very powerful in developing empathy amongst English speakers towards some of the challenges and difficulties that CYP new to English may be facing. It also increases CYP voice and empowers them to take on leadership roles.
• Through the Young Interpreters Scheme, CYP learn different strategies to clarify, explain and 'interpret' a whole range of school activities, systems and procedures to new arrivals through the medium of CYP-friendly English, where first language is not shared by other CYP or adults. This allows them to have their voice heard.

If needed, CYP should be provided with tools to aid communication and translation so CYP voice can be effectively collected. Depending on age and stage, this could be visual aids such as communication fans and word mats, or tablets or laptops with translation apps such as Google Translate.

It is essential that translation/interpretation are used when collecting CYP voice (such as Wishes and Feelings) for EHAPs and support plans.