http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10767460/Children-missing-school-to-interpret-English-for-parents.html
15
Apr 2014
Children
missing school to interpret English for parents
Report
to a council watchdog finds that children are missing lessons to help their
parents as concerns are raised over the practice
Children
have been taking time out of school to interpret for their parents who are
unable to speak English, a new report has claimed.
The
report to a council watchdog in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has raised concerns over
the practice – including the pressure on the child, the potential for family
conflicts, and the fact that they are missing lessons.
The
absences were high enough to spark a review over the extent to which children
can be allowed to aid their parents, as front line staff report at least three
instances a week of children being used as interpreters.
Under
16s cannot be taken out of school during term time without good reason, and
local councils have the power to fine or prosecute parents who do not ensure
their child attends regularly.
The
practice was exposed during a review of interpreting and translation services
used to access council services, which cost taxpayers in Leeds £127,000 between
April and September last year, by the council's Scrutiny Board.
The
report presented to the Resources and Council Services says: "There are
concerns with the use of children as interpreters. Although it is not usual
practice to use children under 18 as interpreters, it is recognised
professional discretion can be used.
"It
should not be viewed as usual practice but ... emergency situations may allow
professional discretion to ensure immediate safety and welfare.
"Discussions
have taken place with other local authorities and although they don't have a
policy stating whether children should be used as interpreters, the general
rule is children are not used as interpreters apart from passing on short
messages."
The
report warns that the adults can get frustrated with the children and sometimes
come to the council building alone and persuade a young person in the library
who they recognise to interpret for them, even though they are not even
related.
The
board recommends that "children would not be used for interpreting
purposes except in emergency situations".
The
watchdog committee at Leeds City Council carried out the interpreting inquiry
after concerns were raised about the efficiency of the service and whether it
provided value for money.
Freelance
interpreters can charge the authority £18 an hour between 7am and 7pm, and £27
after 7pm and at weekends.
Telephone
interpreters cost £13 an hour, with translation work a minimum of £19 based on
word count.
The
authority was billed £67,000 between April and September last year for one to
one interpreters, with a £12,000 sum for phone interpreters and £48,000 for
written translations.
The
report noted the need to reduce costs.
Councillor
Ron Wood, spokesman for the committee, said the key was to make the service
"run more efficiently".
He
said: "We want to see a fair, consistent policy that provides assistance
where needed, but which ultimately also encourages people to learn English and
feel part of the community they live in."
Councillor
Keith Wakefield, leader of Leeds City Council, said a decision on interpreting
and translation policies will be made "at the appropriate time".
