Why do Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen, families need support?
Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen communities are considered one of the most marginalised groups in society and consequently are likely to have poor educational experiences and poor learning outcomes.
Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen children face numerous issues accessing education and consequently have ‘the lowest attainment of all ethnic groups throughout their school years’.
(Tackling inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities).
This impacts on future life chances and reduces opportunities for children and young people.
Therefore, providing additional support in the early years of education can be crucial and can have the biggest impact on a child’s future. Helping a child to make a good level of development and be ready to start school.
Educational barriers
- Language barriers
Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen families may speak different languages or dialects. Supporting language development is crucial. - Transience
Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen families may move frequently, affecting continuity in education. - Cultural differences
Understanding Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen cultural norms and practices helps create a welcoming environment. - Stereotypes and bias
Combatting negative stereotypes and promoting positive interactions is essential.
By offering targeted support, practitioners can ensure that Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen children have equal access to quality early education and a positive start in their learning journey.
Collection of ethnicity data
- By law, schools are required to collect information about students’ ethnicity.
- However, parents have the right to decide whether or not to provide this
information to the school.
It is important for Travelling families to be proud of their rich cultural heritage. However, due to the ongoing discrimination families can face, there may be many reasons why a family may not wish to identify as from a Travelling Community.
Partnership working
Research consistently shows that involving parents and carers in their children’s learning significantly impacts children’s success, regardless of their background.
Working in partnership with parents is central to the EYFS. Building a positive relationship with a family from their first visit is key:
- Find out about family, personal histories, community & culture.
- Value parents/carers as primary educators and involve them in their in their child’s journey.
- Find out about their expectations.
- Help them understand how they can support learning at home.
Some Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen families may not have used an early years setting before. It will be essential to establish clear lines of communication, share the setting’s values and build trust between home and setting. It is important to identify the best forms of communication with a family, as they may have low literacy levels. Reading key documents and paperwork with the family may be vital.
Enabling learning environment
Practitioners create an inclusive learning environment. Practitioners should plan for there to be a wide range of resources, including quality books, that reflect the diversity of life in modern Britain. Including positive examples of Traveller life.
Transition into school
The transition into Reception can be an anxious time for all families. However, it can be particularly concerning for Traveller families.
Practitioners can support by:
- Offering to complete admission forms.
- Encouraging visits to schools.
- Ensuring families have a key adult assigned to them.
- Reassuring family that key information is shared.
- Encouraging families to ascribe as Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen with the new school, as this will be important for future attendance records.
- Contact Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen advisory teacher.
Submitting EYFS profile data
Practitioners should record completed profile data for every child at the end of the EYFS, including for those Gypsy, Roma, Traveller & Showmen children who may have low attendance unless an exemption has been granted by the Secretary of State.
Cultural awareness training for all staff
The EYFS framework encourages practitioners to recognize and celebrate the unique qualities that each child and family brings to the learning environment. Although you may believe your setting is not currently supporting members of the Travelling community, it could be that a family have chosen not to identify, or a family may move into the area. Therefore, all practitioners developing their understanding of the culture will benefit all the children in your setting. It is important to represent and celebrate Traveller culture to allow all children to develop knowledge and appreciation of a diverse community. Appreciating the richness of cultural backgrounds, traditions, and practices.
Available training
Traveller awareness e-learning course
Traveller awareness training
Useful websites and contacts
DCC EDEAS home page
GRTS advisory teacher: ellen.tout@devon.gov.uk
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Consultancy, training, and workshops: Devon Education Services Shop