Introduction
According to latest figures from global data platform Statista, the percentage of pupils in schools in England whose first language is not English has risen from 18% in 2015/16 to 20.8 in 2023/24. Where there are students whose first language is not English, this can also present schools with challenges when communicating with their parents.
In October last year, our SEO company was approached by the Head of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities at a local school.
They faced a critical need for effective communication during a crucial annual Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan review.
The objective was clear: to provide an interpreter who could bridge the communication gap between the teaching staff and the student’s father, who had minimal understanding of English. This meeting was essential for reviewing the student’s progress over the past year, and for planning their education and development over the coming 12 months.
The updated EHC plan would ensure that all necessary support and progress metrics were accurately recorded and addressed the child’s specific needs.
Challenges
The project presented two main challenges. First, the student, although competent in English, was a child with special educational needs, necessitating a careful choice of interpreter.
The selected professional had to be someone familiar with the school’s team, reliable, and particularly sensitive to such a nuanced environment.
Secondly, the language barrier with the student’s father posed a significant obstacle. His limited English comprehension underscored the importance of selecting an interpreter who could deliver clear and empathetic communication.
Solution
Addressing these challenges required a considered approach. We methodically searched for an interpreter whose skills, experience, and temperament were well-suited to the delicate circumstances of a special educational needs review.
By selecting an interpreter with whom we had an established, trustworthy relationship, we were confident they would perform effectively in this challenging environment.
The interpreter was tasked with ensuring the father would be able to fully understand and participate in the discussions, to facilitate informed and engaged communication during the review process.
Results
The outcome was highly successful. Our choice of interpreter proved effective, leading to a seamless and productive EHC plan review meeting. Feedback from the school highlighted the interpreter’s exemplary standards of presentation, professionalism, and quality of service.
The positive reception also confirmed that the father fully understood the review process and the outlined plan for his son’s educational path.
As an added benefit, this success set a solid foundation for future engagements, as the school expressed eagerness to continue the collaboration for subsequent reviews. Having established a trusted, successful partnership will make it easier for the school.
In conclusion, this case exemplifies our commitment to understanding client needs, addressing challenges with tailored solutions, and achieving outstanding results, reinforcing our reputation as a reliable service provider in facilitating specialised communication.