Translations
DAIS-POL-026
Translations Policy
Position on translation of qualification materials and learner submissions
Data and AI School of London | Account No. 11001657 | Version 1.0 | June 2026
| Policy Owner | Head of Centre (Ali Fraz Khan FHEA) |
| Approved By | Head of Centre |
| Date Effective | 24 June 2026 |
| Review Cycle | Annual |
| Next Review | 24 June 2027 |
| Related Documents | DAIS-POL-012 Reasonable Adjustments, DAIS-POL-024 Online Learning and Digital Delivery, NCFE Translations Policy |
1. Purpose
This policy sets out the position of the Data and AI School of London (DAIS) on the translation of qualification materials, assessment papers, and learner submissions. It is aligned with NCFE's Translations Policy and ensures that all centre staff understand the limits and processes that apply to translation in the context of accredited qualifications.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all qualifications delivered by DAIS, all learners enrolled with DAIS, and all staff involved in delivery, assessment, internal quality assurance, and learner support.
3. Language of Delivery and Assessment
All DAIS qualifications are delivered and assessed in English. Materials produced by NCFE, including qualification specifications, assessment criteria, and externally set examinations (where applicable) are issued in English and must be used in their original form unless explicit prior written approval has been obtained from NCFE.
Learners enrolling with DAIS are required to meet the qualification entry requirements, which include an appropriate level of English language proficiency. Where a learner's English proficiency is below the level required by the qualification, the Initial Needs Assessment (DAIS-LS-001) process will identify this at the enrolment stage and the learner will be advised accordingly.
4. Translation of Qualification Materials
Translation of NCFE qualification materials, including learning resources, assessment criteria, mark schemes, and externally set assessment papers, into any language other than English is not permitted without explicit prior written approval from NCFE. Where DAIS produces its own supplementary learning resources (for example, internal study guides, screencasts, or worked examples), these are also produced in English to maintain alignment with the assessment criteria.
5. Translation of Learner Submissions
Learner assessment submissions must be produced in English. Where a learner produces evidence in a language other than English (for example, a code comment, technical artefact, or piece of supplementary evidence), a certified translation must be provided alongside the original. The certified translation must be produced by a recognised translation service and accompanied by a signed declaration of accuracy.
Costs of certified translation are the responsibility of the learner unless the translation is required as a reasonable adjustment under DAIS-POL-012, in which case the centre may meet the cost.
6. Reasonable Adjustments and Translation
Where translation may be appropriate as a reasonable adjustment, for example for a learner with a specific learning difference whose first language is not English, the application is handled under DAIS-POL-012 (Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations). Any such adjustment must:
• Not give the learner an unfair advantage over other learners.
• Not undermine the integrity of the assessment.
• Be approved by the Access Arrangements Coordinator (Lead IQA) before the assessment.
• Be applied for in advance using DAIS-SD-005 (Reasonable Adjustments Form).
• Where required by NCFE's Access Arrangements Policy, be approved by NCFE prior to the assessment.
7. Welsh Language
DAIS does not currently deliver any qualification in Welsh and does not currently have any Welsh-medium learners. Should this change in the future, a separate Welsh Language Policy will be developed in line with the requirements of the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 and NCFE's Welsh Language Policy.
8. Interpretation in Live Sessions
Live online teaching sessions are conducted in English. The use of real-time machine translation tools by learners during a live session is permitted only where this does not interfere with assessment integrity. The use of any such tool during a formal assessment is governed by DAIS-POL-010 (Malpractice) and DAIS-POL-023 (AI Use in Assessment).
9. Communication of this Policy
This policy is communicated to learners at enrolment as part of the Learner Handbook (DAIS-LH-001) and to staff at induction (DAIS-SD-002). It is published on the DAIS website and on the Moodle VLE.
10. Monitoring and Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the Head of Centre. Any disputes or queries arising from translation requirements are recorded in the Self-Assessment Review (DAIS-SD-010) and inform policy improvement where necessary.