The Inclusion of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and young people

Raising the achievement of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children is the responsibility of everyone within the education system and a significant measure of the effectiveness of policies to combat educational and social exclusion. Ofsted has reported that Gypsy, Roma & Traveller pupils, have the lowest results of any ethnic minority group and are the groups most at risk in the education system. These assessments have been confirmed by data coming from the School Census since 2003.

The DCSF is committed to raising the attendance and achievement of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils. The Department published 'Aiming High: Raising the Achievement of Ethnic Minority Pupils', in March 2003, and 'Aiming High: Raising the Achievement of Gypsy Traveller pupils: A Guide to Good Practice’ in July 2003.

This document offers guidance and a range of actions which contribute to ensuring that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children are healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve and make a positive contribution to school life as set out in the Every Child Matters agenda and The Children’s Plan, December 2007.