Introduction to GRT in schools

This toolkit contains everything you need to help you plan a whole school approach to Gypsy Roma and Traveller (GRT) as well as how to respond when a child or young person (CYP) needs support with GRT.

Who are our GRT children and young people?

Reference will be made to Gypsy Roma and Traveller (GRT) children and young people, parents and communities throughout this toolkit. This collective grouping includes Gypsies, Travellers of Irish Heritage, Roma, Scottish Travellers or Gypsies, Welsh Gypsies or Travellers, Showmen, Circus Travellers, New Travellers and Boater or Bargee.

The Traveller Movement and Friends, Families and Travellers provide detailed information about the different GRT groups.

Why is it important for us to be aware of children and young people who are GRT?

Children or young people (CYP) who are GRT may face challenges with accessing and engaging with the curriculum, educational attainment, discrimination and bullying, and their wellbeing. GRT children and young people are also at higher risk of absences and exclusion from education. They are likely to need a higher level of appropriate and differentiated support to support positive educational outcomes.

There can sometimes be a lack of cultural understanding towards GRT children or young people leading to a disconnect between the GRT way of life and education which can impact educational outcomes negatively. All children and young people, including those who are GRT, should have the opportunity to fully access the curriculum and fulfil their potential.

If we are aware of the unique challenges that GRT children or young people may face, teachers can better support them in their educational journey and promote a more inclusive, diverse and understanding environment to support all to Flourish.

Resources

Help! I've got a child / young person or group of children and young people that has just been identified as a GRT; what can I do?

This padlet provides step by step guidance on how to respond and support individual children or young people when they are identified as GRT as well as a collection of FAQs.

Individual or group approach to GRT in schools

We would like to take a whole-school approach to supporting GRT children and young people.

Here you will find an audit tool, action plan and whole school approach guide. Use the audit tool to identify areas of good practice and identify areas for improvement.

Whole school approach to GRT in schools

This whole school approach (WSA) guide invites you to reflect on your quality of provision for GRT children and young people in school.  The information provided aims to increase staff knowledge and understanding of children and young people from GRT communities so that informed consideration can be given to their particular circumstances and requirements, and so that GRT children and young people are provided with the best possible outcomes in their learning and development across all key stages of education.

It also aims to bring together and highlight effective local and national practice and to support schools to provide conditions for learning that value diversity, challenge racism and promote racial equality and develop positive partnerships with GRT communities.

If you need any bespoke support and guidance, we are happy to help and can be contacted at inclusionandsend@norfok.gov.uk.