Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showmen advisory teacher consultancy

Research tells us that GRTS pupils are at greater risk in the education system; they are more likely to be excluded from education or have lower attendance and achievement than their peers and less than 5% of pupils access further education. The traveller community is the largest ethnic minority in Devon and yet often the least supported in schools.

A recent survey titled ‘GRTS’s Experiences of Education, 2021’ highlighted that urgent improvements need to be made.

• 44% of families felt they weren’t able to register their ethnicity with schools
  
• 58% of families said the main barrier to education was the school’s lack of cultural understanding and communication
  
• The survey also highlighted that discrimination and bullying are key factors that impact on pupils' education in Devon

While there has been some improvement in recent years, the gap is still unacceptable and significantly high. 

How can we help? 

Our team of experienced advisory teachers can provide consultancy, guidance, support and training to schools and settings. All our packages can be tailored to meet the needs of your school, pupils and families.  

Support may include but is not limited to;

• Building positive communication links between families and school, supporting parents and carers to engage fully in the school community 
  
• Identifying barriers to learning or attendance 
  
• In school pupil support and intervention, offering strategies, advice and guidance to overcome barriers to pupils accessing school 
  
• 1:1 pupil intervention in the home, including distance learning
  
• Supporting schools with using the ‘T’ code and analysing attendance data
  
• Whole school staff training about the GRTS culture, history and traditions to support staff to better understand the GRTS pupils in their schools and to challenge racism and discrimination 
  
• Pupil assemblies on diversity and the GRTS culture
  
• ‘Aspirations’ and ‘what to expect from secondary school’ pupil sessions
  
• Advising schools about traveller friendly resources and ways to celebrate ‘Traveller History Month’