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Guidelines for using interpreters in schools

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Interpreters can be used in schools for:

  • enrolments
  • parent-teacher interviews/school report interviews
  • information dissemination about specific school programs
  • individual student issues or to assist with an educational assessment.

Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) provides access to the following interpreting services:

  • Immediate telephone interpreting
  • ATIS Voice automated voice-prompted immediate telephone interpreting
  • Pre-booked telephone interpreting
  • On-site interpreting.

To access a service through TIS National, you will need to quote the Department of Education's client code C142885.

Immediate telephone interpreting

TIS National provides access to immediate telephone interpreters 24 hours, every day of the year. Call the TIS National contact centre on 131 450 at any time of day or night to access an immediate telephone interpreter.

Automated voice-prompted immediate telephone interpreting

ATIS Voice is an automated voice-prompted immediate telephone interpreting service. ATIS Voice is a service for agency clients to access an interpreter in high demand languages without assistance from a TIS National operator.

ATIS Voice uses voice recognition technology to identify the language requested, and automatically connect you with an interpreter in that language. ATIS Voice allows you to avoid lengthy call wait times you may experience when calling the contact centre for an immediate telephone interpreter.

Please note: To use the ATIS Voice voice-prompted automated immediate telephone interpreting service, you need to have an account number and an access number (this is different to a TIS National client code). To request an ATIS Voice account number and an access number, complete the ATIS Voice application form or contact a client liaison and promotions account manager.

Pre-booked telephone interpreting

The pre-booked telephone interpreting service is available for agency clients to book a telephone interpreter in advance of an appointment.

Pre-booking your telephone interpreter will ensure any special requirements can be catered for and that the best available interpreter can be secured for the time you nominate. Pre-booking an interpreter is recommended when the assignment may be complex, requires specialist knowledge or the availability of interpreters in a particular language is limited.

Requests for the pre-booked telephone service should be sent using the interpreter booking form on the TIS National website. Alternatively, you can contact a client liaison and promotions account manager for a copy of a fax booking request form.

TIS National endeavours to allocate an interpreter to your request by close of business the day before the proposed booking time. Once an interpreter has been allocated to the assignment you will receive a booking confirmation by email or fax including the appointment details. Bookings will only be accepted for appointments up to 28 days in advance of the date of request.

On-site interpreting

The on-site interpreting service is available for agency clients to book an interpreter to attend an appointment face-to-face.

When using a telephone interpreter would not be suitable, TIS National can arrange for an interpreter to visit your location. On-site interpreting services can be arranged for any location in Australia (subject to interpreter availability).

Requests for the on-site service should be sent using the interpreter booking form on the TIS National website. Alternatively, you can contact a client liaison and promotions account manager for a copy of a fax booking request form.

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Last updated 02 October 2018