Gypsies and Travellers

Page updated on: 03/10/2022

Gypsies and Travellers are a protected group under the Equality Act 2010. There are different groups of Gypsies and Travellers, with different historical backgrounds, cultures and traditions.

Children and young people from Gypsy and Traveller heritage sometimes need extra support in school because:

  • They might miss school due to travelling with their families;
  • They might have a different attitude to education and school, which can lead to low attendance and attainment;
  • They might have different aspirations for the future than most of their classmates;
  • They might suffer from bullying;
  • Their educational outcomes are low, traditionally, and this is an area that needs to improve. 

How will the school help?   

  • Schools should be inclusive, welcoming and understanding of children who are gypsies and travellers, and their families.
  • If children/young people miss school due to travelling, they should liaise with the family to arrange work for children/young people to do while away.
  • They should monitor progress and might offer catch up sessions on basic skills.

Children, young people, parents or carers should speak to the school initially if they have any questions about their children. The school may contact our Traveller Education Service for support:

How we work with families

The Service works with families if children/young people are enrolled at school. This is organised around demand, with priority given to children in most need first, new pupils to the area for example. Families can be supported with their child’s schooling by:

  • attending meetings at schools with parents,
  • going over written information to ensure parents understand what is going on at their child’s school,
  • help with letter writing and completing school applications,
  • helping with transition from Primary to Secondary.

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