A Welcome Pack for Parents

Information about the school

Whatever is normally given to new entrants - if it is not possible to have this translated into the relevant languages, it would be useful to have a basic sheet with information such as:

school times
term dates
uniform/P.E. kit requirements
basic description of the curriculum in England
expectations re: attendance, homework, reading, parent evenings, trips etc

This could be translated, or at least presented clearly and/or pictorially. An interpreter could explain this at the admission interview.

Getting around the local area

tube/train and bus map
street map of the local area

Adult Education and ESOL

Leaflets from the local adult education centre and information about English classes

Health

NHS Direct telephone service 0845 4647
List of GPs in the area
Local health advisory service
NHS walk-in centre for families who do not yet have access to a GP

Advice

A list of local organisations providing advice, CAB, some refugee community groups etc.

General information

Sports and leisure facilities, swimming pools, libraries etc
Services such as Sure Start, mother and toddler groups and Children's Fund Projects

Information for refugees and asylum-seekers

Translated information booklets for refugees published by the Refugee Council (www.refugeecouncil.org.uk).