Opportunity and Access to Education for Gypsy, Roma and Travellers

Improving access to education and attendance and raising the achievement of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and young people is the responsibility of everyone working within the education system, GRT pupils are the lowest achieving ethnic minority. Common barriers have been identified that have hindered Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families in accessing education and maintaining regular attendance. Insufficient stopping places and swift evictions Extended periods of travel Lack of school places and lengthy admissions procedures Gaps in education and lack of Pre-School experience Previous educational experiences of pupils and parents and the value placed on education Experience and fear of hostility, rejection and prejudice Value placed on punctuality and good time keeping Uniform costs Aspirations and Expectations of pupils, parents and the community Relevance of the curriculum Lack of culturally relevant resources Examples of good practice have been identified in many educational settings where professionals are working in close partnership with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families and other agencies to break down some of the barriers.