There are no inherent reasons why a child from a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller community should not achieve as well as any other child.

High-quality teaching and effective Assessment for Learning (AfL), plus appropriate specialist interventions, supported by school leaders, are key factors in improving the achievement of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and young people, as groups and as individuals.

Achievement will only occur through the combined efforts of the school, child and home.

Research has identified when aiming to improve outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils in schools the main areas to focus on are usually:

• transfer and transition
• attainment
• attendance
• retention
• progression
• engagement
• enjoyment
• health and wellbeing.

These educational outcomes are essentially inter-dependent and improvement in one area inevitably impacts on another.

The unique context of the school can enhance or impede the improvement of educational outcomes for these groups of pupils. Individual schools will need to focus their efforts on different aspects more strongly than others, depending on their context.

Despite the existence of these contextual differences, there are some common constructive conditions which can impact positively on all educational outcomes as illustrated in the Target Model below produced to improve outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils.

Improving the outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils: final report - Anne Wilkin, Chris Derrington, Richard White, Kerry Martin, Brian Foster, Kay Kinder, and Simon Rutt

Based on the research above and the findings of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Achievement Programme undertaken in 2009 (resource documents can be found below), the Equality Diversity Inclusion Team (EDIT) offer bespoke advice, and support to assist schools to examine their policy, practice and curriculum in order to improve the outcomes of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils.

Our training module available in house or through CPD online – ‘Improving Outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Pupils’ will support schools to ensure that they are aware of any possible barriers to GRT achievement and how to overcome these.

For more details and information on how EDIT can help, please click one of the boxes below.

Building Futures: Developing trust A focus on provision for children from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Moving forward together: Raising Gypsy, Roma and Traveller achievement Booklet 1: Introduction

Moving forward together: Raising Gypsy, Roma and Traveller achievement Booklet 2: Leadership and Management

Moving forward together: Raising Gypsy, Roma and Traveller achievement Booklet 3: Learning and Teaching

Moving forward together: Raising Gypsy, Roma and Traveller achievement Booklet 4: Engagement with Parents, Carers and the Wider Community

You can get in touch with us using our designated contact page - contact EDIT here!