You have requested the support of an Interpreter for your appeal. We will do our best to arrange this for you and will let you know if an interpreter is not available or we are unable to find someone able to translate the language or dialect you have requested.
This guidance sets out the key points to remember so that you and the Panel understand everything in the hearing.
The Interpreter is not there to act as Advocate or in any other capacity. Their role is to translate only and not give advice to you or the Panel.
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- MUST let us know if there is a specific dialect you need help with
- MUST let us know if you would prefer a male or female Interpreter for cultural reasons
- MUST make sure that you read the pack of papers we send you, including this guidance note
- MUST arrange for someone to help if you do not understand the school case in the pack, as this will not be translated in the appeal word for word
- MUST pay for sufficient parking if you come by car (please allow 4 hours) so that you do not have to leave the hearing to top up
- MUST let the Clerk know immediately if you know the Interpreter so that the Panel is aware
You may bring a family member or friend with you for support. However, it is very difficult for the Interpreter to translate comments from several people at the same time. The Interpreter will ask which person they should support.
Although you and your Interpreter will be together in the Civic Offices, you will join the hearing remotely using Microsoft Teams.
The Panel, Clerk, Presenting Officer, school representative and any other parents at Stage 1 will also join the meeting on Teams.
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Contact the Appeals Service:
Please read the Guidance Notes and FAQs for Parents as these provide you with lots of information about the appeal process.
Back to topThe Appeals Service
The Appeals Service:
- WILL do our best to provide an Interpreter in the language (and dialect) you asked for
- WILL arrange a meeting room at the Civic Offices so that you can join the hearing in the same place as your Interpreter
- WILL send you the details of the meeting room and other arrangements, usually 10 school days before the hearing
- WILL send you all the papers for the appeal before the meeting, including this advice note
- WILL ask you to come to the Civic Offices about 30 minutes before the hearing. This is to give you time to settle in, meet the Interpreter and agree with them how you will work together
- WILL provide a member of staff to welcome you to the Civic Offices, provide help and sort out any practical issues, for example with the equipment in the room
- WILL give you a phone number or tell you who to contact if there are any problems during the hearing
- WILL make sure you know how to ask for help, for example:
- if you need help with muting or unmuting the microphone in the meeting
- if you need a break or need people who are speaking to slow down
- practical information such as how to find the toilets
The Chair of the Panel
The Chair of the Panel:
- WILL make sure you know who everyone is in the hearing
- WILL make sure that you and the Interpreter know how to ask people speaking to slow down or pause
- WILL give you as much time as you need to make your case for a place at the school
The Interpreter
The Interpreter:
- WILL NOT interpret the presentation of the school case at Stage 1 word for word (this is why you must read the papers we send you)
- WILL
- WILL interpret any questions asked by the Panel or other parents and the answers
- WILL ask the Panel, Presenting Officer or others to slow down or pause when necessary (by raising their hand)
- WILL destroy any notes they make during the appeal