Interpreter and Translation Services

A priority of the NSW Department of School Education is to ensure that full access to information is available to all parents, caregivers and school community members including those who are non-English speakers.

To ensure effective communication takes place between non-English speaking parents and caregivers and schools, the NSW Department of School Education provides funds to pay for interpreting and translation. Parents and caregivers do not have to pay for these services.

Parents and caregivers may ask the school or district office for an interpreter to be present when discussing matters involving their children such as school enrolment, subject choice, educational progress, attendance, welfare or behaviour. Parents and caregivers can also ask for interpreters to be present at school meetings, School Council meetings, Parents and Citizens meetings or parent-teacher interviews.

Non-English speaking parents, caregivers and community members can also use the Telephone Interpreter Service to contact the school or district office by telephoning 131 450.