Provision of sign language
interpreters for deaf parents
- Schools are able to provide communication services to deaf
parents of pupils so that parents can access information about
their child’s education and progress. Funding for this is provided
by Suffolk County Council and is managed by the advisory teachers
for hearing impaired children in each area.
- The funding is provided to help deaf parents access
educational meetings where their child[ren]’s progress is
discussed, for example, parents’ consultation evenings and any
meetings where individual education plans (IEPs) are discussed or
for annual reivews if a child has a Statement of special
educational needs.
- The funding does not extend to providing interpreters for
extra-curricular events such as school plays or social evenings. In
these circumstances schools are expected to make reasonable
adjustments for example, by providing a summary or synopsis
of a play or performance, a programme for a special assembly, a
copy of song lyrics etc.
- Schools will make prior arrangements for any interpreting
services that are needed. Schools do this by sending a request form
to the local advisory teacher (for Hearing Impairment).
- All booking of services is to be done by schools, so that
arrangements regarding dates, times and venues can be absolutely
clear.
Guidelines for booking and use of an interpreter and or other
communication service
Schools need to be aware of the following points when booking and
using an interpreter or other communication service.
- All services should be booked well in advance. It may be useful
to do this at the beginning of a school year, when dates for
consultation evenings are likely to be agreed. Interpreters get
booked up very quickly.
- Most individuals and agencies charge a cancellation fee. This
fee can be anything up to the full cost of the appointment if the
cancellation is very late.
- Many individuals and agencies charge a minimum rate of two
hours.
When booking an interpreter or other communication service a
school will need to provide the following information:
- name of deaf client and their needs (such as, signing or note
taking)
- date, time and length of assignment
- where the assignment will take place and contact names and
numbers
- nature of the assignment (such as, parents evening or annual
review/careers interview) and how many people will be involved
- copies of any preparation material (such as agendas, minutes
from previous meetings, maps).
Suffolk County Coucil recommends the use of qualified interpreters.
Registered and qualified interpreters are bound by a code of
conduct and must therefore maintain confidentiality on all
assignments. Schools should discuss requirements with parents to
ensure arrangements are suitable.
To discuss the need for an interpreter or particular
individual cases please contact one of the advisory teachers for
Hearing Impaired on the telephone numbers
above.