Lovely teachers-if you had a pupil with disinterested parents would you mind if another family member got involved in his education?

[frumperina]

I'm sorry for invading your staff room, but I thought this might be the best place to post this question.
SIl has recently moved to the UK with her two children. SIL and BIL speak very little English. DN(10) is waiting on his offer of a primary school place.
DH mentioned to SIL today that the school will want to have a meeting with them when he starts school. She was annoyed and said she will send BIL. I know he would just smile and nod, he would not ask if he didn't understand something and forget half the things talked about. Having helped them through the school application process and with various other things it just seems that they don't have any interest in DN's education. DH has explained various things to them( I don't speak their language) and SIL doesn't really listen and just giggles and seems to regard it all as a bit of a joke.
I feel very sorry for DN, it must be quite scary to move to a new country, go to a new school and to top it all have to start in the middle of term. He is a bright boy and could do very well in school I think. He went to a school that taught all subjects in English by the way, so hopefully should be able to catch up soon.
DH and I were thinking of attending any meetings with them to make sure they can understand, translate and if necessary help DN. Would you think this is ok or would you think we are interfering busybodies?

The school would be glad of your intervention. They may not have translators on staff and will want to know as much about the new pupil as possible.
In the longer term they will need consent from the Parents to keep you up to date but should be happy to have your involvement at Parents Evenings etc

We have a similar arrangement with a Chinese student where the parents do not speak any/much English. I think it would be very helpful to your nephew and his teachers if you can arrange this.

Thank you, its good to hear we wouldn't be thought of as weird. Don't want to be pushy auntie! The parents consenting won't be a problem, they seem quite happy for us to sort their life out. [hmmm]

I have often spoken to relatives at parents' evening - always happy to speak to any interested party. A little girl's grandmother brought me samosas and a napkin once; she was really worried that I wouldn't have had any tea

We have a 'parent translator' at parents' evenings. One of the parents from a particular ethnic group speaks English better than his compatriots and is willing to help out. He's quite a popular guy, so they don't seem to mind him being there!