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Department for Education: Translation Services

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 2 July 2026UIN 14004

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 26 June to Question 11236 on Department for Education: Translation Services, for what reason the spend increased in 2025/26.

Answered by Olivia Bailey

The department’s spending on translation services in the 2025/26 financial year increased by £20,573.80 compared with the 2024/25 financial year. As outlined in the department’s response to Question 11236, the increase in expenditure predominantly relates to:

  • £6,226.18 – translation of departmental safeguarding guidance for parents, relating to children in out-of-school settings.
  • £4,100.54 – translation of consultation documents affecting disabled students, into British Sign Language.
  • £9,120.00 – translation services provided for overseas delegates attending the UK-hosted Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education summit.

There were no comparable, high-value translation activities undertaken by the department in 2024/25, where translation costs were £1,159.02 and related to:

  • A ‘Childcare Choices’ leaflet.
  • Kinship care.

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