Supporting Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showmen children in primary school 

Contents

Key reminders for staff 

Build trust 

  • Greet families warmly and consistently—familiar faces help build confidence 
  • Be patient and open—relationships may take time to develop 
  • Use home visits or informal chats where appropriate to strengthen connections 

Celebrate cultural identity 

  • Include GRT&S history, stories, and traditions in lessons and displays 
  • Invite GRT&S families to share their experiences or crafts with the class 
  • Avoid stereotypes—every child is unique, even within the same community 

Support attendance positively 

  • Understand that travel and family commitments may affect attendance 
  • Use gentle encouragement rather than formal warnings 
  • Offer catch-up support without judgment—make returning to school feel safe and welcoming 

Communicate clearly and kindly 

  • Use simple language in letters and newsletters 
  • Offer verbal explanations or support with reading where needed 
  • Ask families how they prefer to be contacted—phone calls often work best 

Create a safe and inclusive classroom 

  • Make sure GRT&S children feel seen and valued—use their names, praise their efforts 
  • Watch out for bullying or exclusion and act quickly and sensitively 
  • Encourage peer friendships through group work and play 

Be flexible with learning 

  • Offer practical, hands-on activities—many GRT&S children thrive with active learning 
  • Allow for flexible homework or alternative ways to show learning 
  • Support transitions between schools with clear records and warm welcomes 

Work with families as partners 

  • Involve parents in learning—invite them to assemblies, workshops, or reading sessions 
  • Respect their views and listen without judgment 
  • Share successes regularly, not just concerns 

Challenge discrimination 

  • Teach pupils about respect and diversity from an early age 
  • Use stories and role-play to explore fairness and empathy 
  • Make sure staff are trained to spot and stop bias 

Keep things private and respectful 

  • Be discreet when discussing family situations—confidentiality matters 
  • Avoid assumptions—ask, don’t guess 

Keep learning 

  • Stay curious—attend training, read up on GRT&S cultures, and ask questions respectfully 
  • Share good practice with colleagues and celebrate progress 

Further support 

Devon Education Services (DES) strives to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information in this document. If errors are reported, we will correct them promptly. However, DES and its employees are not responsible for any loss, damage, or inconvenience resulting from reliance on this content. 

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