What should I ask about school language support?

Describe your child’s starting point

Tell the school which languages your child speaks, reads and writes, and whether they have previously learned through another language. Explain any learning or communication needs without assuming that limited Greek reflects limited understanding of a subject.

Ask what language is used for instruction, textbooks, assessment and everyday classroom routines. Then ask how a newcomer is helped in practice: who provides support, how progress is reviewed and what happens when a child cannot follow an instruction. Request examples rather than relying on a broad promise of language assistance.

Include communication at home

Clarify how parents receive notices, discuss concerns and understand reports. Ask whether interpretation can be arranged for important meetings and who organises it; do not assume a child should translate sensitive discussions.

Discuss realistic ways to support learning at home with the teacher. Verify current provision and any admission-related arrangements with the individual school or relevant education service, since another family’s experience may relate to different staff, ages or circumstances.