Inclusion of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Children and Young People

The DCFS have released updated guidelines which build on earlier versions (2003) of a similar nature. It highlights that although Gypsy/Roma and Traveller children have been recognised as two distinct groups since 2003 the majority of people are not prepared to declare themselves to be of either origin due to fear of negative discrimination. This is leading to a poor resource allocation amongst local authorities and schools and these groups are still the lowest attaining of any ethnic group and the group most at risk. It highlights that both groups are recognised under the Race Relations Acts and that schools have a duty to promote community cohesion.

To help with this there is to be a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history month in June 2008.

The paper goes on to give recommendations for schools and local authorities as well as providing several case studies.