Young Interpreters Scheme

The Young Interpreter Scheme® provides peer support to pupils who are learning English as an Additional Language (EAL), to their families and to schools.

The Young Interpreter Scheme® recognises the huge potential that exists within each school community for pupils 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.

Young Interpreters undergo specific training to prepare for this role and are selected on the basis of different personal qualities they may have. The support they can offer to a newly-arrived pupil can be very reassuring from a parent or carer's point of view at a time when their child may be adapting to substantial changes. It also supports school staff in a variety of ways at different points during the school day.

Bilingual pupils use their language skills in a variety of ways to help new arrivals access English and feel part of the school. Alongside English-only speakers, they learn different strategies to clarify, explain and ‘interpret’ a whole range of school activities, systems and procedures to new entrants through the medium of pupil–friendly English where first language isn’t shared by other pupils or adults.

Young Interpreters do not replace the need for professional adult interpreters. Young Interpreters are trained and guided by a designated member of the school staff who can ensure pupils’ safeguarding.

At Cavendish, we have approximately 40 different languages spoken by children and their families. This scheme will help us to celebrate those languages and support children across the curriculum at school.

Meet our Young Interpreter team from Year 5 and 6:

This is what our Young Interpreters say about themselves and why they have become Young Interpreters:

I speak Persian. I was new to this school last year and couldn't speak much English. Other children were really friendly and helped me to learn the language. I now want to help others because it is important for them to feel welcome and included.

I speak two languages - English and Greek. I wanted to be a Young Interpreter because I am friendly, good with children and will listen to everyone.

I speak Arabic and I wanted to be a Young Interpreter because I like helping people. I love being a Young Interpreter because I get good deeds when helping people and become more of a good person.

I speak Arabic too and I am glad to be a Young Interpreter because everyone should be helped when they need it. I can help people if they know the language I speak. If they don't I can still use other resources like iPads and picture cards.

I speak Somali and I want to help young people who don't speak English, helping them fit into our beautiful school.

I want to help people who are new to the school and find English tricky. Even though I do not speak another language than English, I can still make children feel welcomed at our school!

I wanted to be a Young Interpreter because I love to help people and see smiles on their faces. Every day, I believe everyone learns something new and learning a new language makes you brave. Everyone needs to feel welcomed.

I like being a Young Interpreter because it is nice to know I can help people that struggle with English and help them if they find it hard to learn or make new friends.

I speak English and Hausa fluently and I wanted to be a Young Interpreter because I, myself, was once a new person and know the scariness of being new and meeting new people. I like being a Young Interpreter because I can get rid of that scary feeling of being around strangers.

I speak English and I sign. I wanted to be a Young Interpreter because I like helping people and caring for others. I like having this role because it means I can do what I love and help people learn.

If you would like to find out more about the scheme:

https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/emtas/supportinglanguages/young-interpreters-guide