Traveller Movement launches new education support project
The Traveller Movement, a national policy and voice charity for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma, are delighted to announce the launch of a new education project, made possible by funding from Esmée Fairbairn, with support from the specialist education charity Communities Empowerment Network.
The national, three year project aims to tackle inequalities in schools and support GTR parents and their children in getting the most out of the education system.
The project will take on casework, supporting, advising and advocating for families across England facing issues in schools. This could involve exclusions, Special Educational Needs, bullying or applying for a school place. Advice and support will be given by appointment over the phone, face-to-face or by skype and, depending on location, we will attend school meetings with families to provide a trusted mediator in order to avoid or resolve conflict and misunderstanding.
Yvonne MacNamara, the Traveller Movements’ CEO says:
“This is a much needed project which will support Gypsy, Traveller and Roma children at school. We have been piloting this project for a few months, and have already worked with a number of families and schools.”
“We will be running training for families in education law so that parents understand their children’s rights. We will also support local community groups to provide training to their schools, helping teachers to better understand their cultures and how to work together to support GTR pupils.”
“The project will also work to provide new resources for parents and schools. These will include making clear and straightforward guides covering the many issues families can face in the schools system for parents. For schools and teachers, we will be publishing a guide to improve Gypsy, Roma and Traveller inclusion, showing examples of what works and what doesn’t.”
The Traveller Movement Education Support Project can be contacted on: 020 7607 2002 or at education@travellermovement.org.uk and The Travellers’ Times will be following its progress.