Enrolling a Bilingual Child to a Scottish School

All schools in Scotland will provide support to children who don't have English as their first language. Local authorities support schools in providing this help for pupils. This page explains what happens when you enrol a bilingual child to a Scottish school.

Some schools may have a bilingual classroom assistant, who support the teachers and help the pupils.

The Enrolment Interview

By the time you have the enrolment interview the school should have your name and telephone number. They should also know what languages you use at home with your child. If you are not confident about your level of English, you can request an interpreter so that language is not a barrier.

Other information you should give to the school at the enrolment interview:

• The spelling and pronunciation of your child's name
• How much reading and writing your child has done in their first language
• Whether your child has learnt any English
• Whether your child has any dietary, medical or cultural requirements
• Whether you would prefer the school to contact you by phone, letter or both. It would be useful for the school to know how much you would need translators and interpreters as well
• Whether your child has any other support needs

You should also get a tour of the school and be introduced to staff members who will be working with your child.

The school will give you information in certain areas and let you know:

• What the arrangements are for interpreting and translating
• Uniform needs, rules about being on time and absence
• Your rights about free school meals and clothing grants (money towards uniforms for parents with low income.)
• The procedures for dealing with bullying and racism
• Information about English as Another Language support

They should also give you a copy of the school handbook. If you are unable to read it, the interpreter might talk you through it at another meeting.

English Language Support

Your local authority may provide extra support for bilingual children.

Fife Council Education Service is an example of how local authorities may support pupils and their schools.

Their Bilingual Support Service can provide in-class support, with support teachers working with bilingual children during their time in the classroom. They give advice to teachers on the best ways to work with bilingual children to learn English. They can give advice on using translators and interpreters and the service is open to all levels of English learners who are not achieving their full potential.

At the moment there are around 1000 children whose first language is not English in Fife alone.

It's worth asking the school at the enrolment interview what support your child can get from your local authority.

Related links

• Race Equality – A website that explains the anti-racist legislation and the role of schools
• Learning English in Scotland
• The education system in Scotland