Notes for Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff

• The prime need is for children to feel welcome and comfortable.
• Children who have rarely been in school before and are used to being outside much of the time, may find a classroom rather claustrophobic.
• Lack of space in a trailer for toys means a classroom can be like an Aladdin’s Cave. The children will want hands-on experience.
• Water is often in short supply at home, so children are likely to find toilet and washing facilities very attractive.
• At first, within class, they will not want to be a focus of attention.
• If they are away from their family group for the first time, they may need support from siblings.
• If children have been constantly on the move, they may have experienced emotional or violent confrontations with the police or local residents and may be "high" at first. They need calm, firm handling for reassurance.
• The children will be very sensitive to name calling.
• They are mostly brought up not to start any trouble but certainly will defend themselves and retaliate strongly if provoked.
• They may come from an area where local residents are hostile and want them evicted. This atmosphere should not pass the school gate. School must be a safe haven. Traveller parents will appreciate a named contact in the school. The Race Relations Amendment Act 2000 states that any. incidents of prejudice should be dealt with by the Head and covered by the PSHE programmes in place in school.
• If they are older children and have not been in school much before, they will be acutely aware that they are behind their peers academically. They will feel inadequate and may compensate for this by disruptive, withdrawn or attention seeking behaviour.
• Gypsy Traveller culture has very strong traditions about keeping children safe and therefore be aware that sometimes children are not allowed to go on trips until a trusting relationship has developed with the school.
• Not having school uniform highlights differences. Parents will appreciate discussion with the school to overcome this.
• Gypsy Traveller children have unique experiences which can be shared with their peers. They will not welcome questioning at first but once secure, will be pleased if an interest is shown.
• It is quite likely that some children will have little experience of books or using pens and pencils and may require many playgroup type activities at first. However, they may have well developed skills in particular fields such as metals, vehicles or animals and looking after young children.
• It would be an extremely positive experience for a Traveller child to find that there were books and other resources in the school relating to their culture.
• Every school in the Consortium area will be receiving a pack of resources from the DCTES for use in school and team members will come into schools in a supporting role.

For further advice, support and resources,

Contact:-

Devon Consortium Traveller Education Service
CYPS
South & West Division Office
Redworth House, Ashburton Road
Totnes Devon TQ9 5JZ
( 01392 386811)