Theme: Gypy, Roma, Traveller
National Strategy Gypsy Roma Traveller Programme
On 7 October 2008 four representatives from Gloucestershire schools, accompanied by officers from the LA, went to London to attend the launch conference of the National Strategy Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) Programme, Phase 2.
Gypsy Roma Traveller children and young people have often been on the margins of the education system. They are not only under-represented in the school system, but when they are present often under achieve for a variety of reasons. Statistically, year on year they perform less well in end of Key Stage tests than any other vulnerable group. It is to redress this balance that the GRT programme was developed. Phase 1 has been piloted in eleven LAs. Gloucestershire has been invited to join in Phase 2 and will be working with Bishops' College, Kingsholm Primary, Tewkesbury school and Norton Primary over a two year period.
The GRT Achievement Programme has the following objectives:
- To improve long term outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils, including the narrowing of achievement gaps, through building capacity and sustainability at LA and school level
- To ensure that the needs and educational aspirations of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and their children are realised and expanded through effective personalised learning
- To support the development of inclusive schools, including the promotion of race equality and the strategic management of mobility
- To improve the knowledge and understanding of the cultural and educational issues relating to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and equip teachers with strategies to raise expectations and strengthen teaching
- To tailor established mainstream resources and guidance produced by the National Strategy and the DCSF to address LA and school priorities relating to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils' attainment
Key to the success of this programme will be partnership working with Traveller families to improve understanding and realisation of common objectives. We are looking forward to an exciting and challenging two years.
Further information:
Raising the Achievement of Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Pupils (DVD)
00102-2008DVD-EN can be ordered for free from www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications
|