Amanda Barns - Co-ordinator Eastern European Roma Children
In September '06 I was appointed coordinator for Eastern European Roma pupils in Gloucestershire. My experience of working with children from this wonderful and vibrant community has been largely at St Paul's School over the last 5 years, although my new role now takes me into other schools both Primary and Secondary. As an EMA teacher, the majority of my time is spent teaching the children in school, enabling them to access and participate fully in the curriculum, develop their language skills and ensure that their time spent in school is happy.
However, equally important and a crucial part of my work is being available for the families. Many parents are reluctant to come into school possibly because many do not feel confident about communicating in formal situations. However, they will welcome me (usually with a Czech/Slovak T.A interpreter) into their homes. It is in this way, along with translated letters, that we try and keep them informed about what their children are doing in school and to help with problems pupils may be having. Another key part of my work is having contact with other agencies who have the same interests in making positive contributions to our Roma families. Many of these people attend a Roma Forum which meets about three times a year. A large number of schools with Roma pupils do face similar issues of concern with some (not all) families. These include non-attendance and uncooperative behaviour. Whilst there are frequently explainable and understandable reasons why children are not in school, clearly this situation must be overturned in order to bring about higher levels of attainment and indeed raise the self-esteem of non-attending pupils.
My role, as I see it, is about breaking down barriers. Going beyond the academics, to listening and talking to children and their families and making them feel valued and welcomed.
