Gypsies and Travellers
Gypsies and travellers are a protected group under the Equality Act 2010. There are different groups of gypsies and travellers, with different historical backgrounds, culture and traditions.
Children 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 my child's school help children from gypsy and traveller backgrounds?
- Schools should be inclusive, welcoming and understanding of children who are gypsies and travellers, and their families.
- If children miss school due to travelling, they should liaise with the family to arrange work for children to do while away.
- They should monitor progress and might offer catch up sessions on basic skills.
Parents and carers should speak to their child’s school initially if they have any questions about their children. The school may contact our Traveller Education Service for support.
Gypsy Traveller Service Co-ordinator: Caroline Hodson 01554 742472
How we work with families
Our small team works with families if children 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.
The following websites may be useful for more information:
Education & Schools
Re-opening schools
Free school meals
Bilingual education
Find a school
School Admissions / Changing schools
Additional Learning Needs
- Statutory Assessment of Educational Needs
- Educational & child psychology
- Specialist provision
- Ability to learn
- Reading and writing
- Number or maths
- Motor Skills
- Speech, Language & Communication
- Severe Learning Difficulties
- Hearing Loss
- Visual Impairment
- Physical and medical problems
- Autism
- English/Welsh as an Additional Language
- Behavioural, Emotional and Social Skills
- Gypsies and Travellers
- Concentration
- Parent Partnership
- Voice of the child / young person
School transport
Emergency school closures
Home schooling - Elective Home Education (EHE)
Adult learning
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