Promoting the Inclusion of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Children Within Settings

There are high Levels of social exclusion, poverty and depravation, particularly those living on roadside and Roma communities. 

Often referred to as the “last acceptable form of racism” Gypsies, Roma and Travellers people continue to experience widespread prejudice and discrimination, so common that it is almost normalised and seen as a ‘fact of life’.  

The Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage states that:

Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential.

The EYFS seeks to provide equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, ensuring that every child is included and supported.

About supporting vulnerable groups and supporting with closing the achievement gap

Ethnic minorities’ can be used to refer to all ethnic groups except the white British group. Ethnic minorities include white minorities, such as Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller groups.

In 2018 You Gov Poll – 66% of people did not realise that GRT was its own ethnic minority group.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people have the worst outcomes of any ethnic group across a huge range of areas, including education, health, employment, criminal justice and hate crime” (The House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee report, 2019) and this is still the case in 2023.

How you can support to ensure that this entitlement is met for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children:

• Develop your staff expertise and knowledge base to improve outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller students
• Cultural awareness training - by better understanding the home lives of their GRT pupils, school staff are prepared to deal with common issues. For example, parents’ concerns about; transfer to secondary school; accessing Early Years’ provision; sex education; racial discrimination.