Planning for Success and Continuity

In order to assist Traveller children towards being confident and successful learners, the Service has concentrated on developing and providing resource materials to encourage their positive self image and also to support better understanding of Traveller lifestyle amongst all children.

Attainment targets and levels of National Curriculum are taken into account when developing materials, ranging from wooden toys, matching, sequencing and jigsaw items using real photographs taken within Traveller communities; materials for project work, wooden inset scenes for language extension, pre-literacy and numeracy booklets, projects, a phonic programme, reading books and an introductory reading and writing programme.

Distance Learning: Fairground, Circus and Seasonal Travellers

Families travel for work purposes usually between spring and autumn each year.

Children attend the schools near to their winter sites. All Worcestershire schools provide children with distance learning work when they leave each spring. The work is discussed with their parents who will provide support for them when they travel.

The Service supports schools in preparing the work, supports the children's work during the travelling season and supports the winter schools when the children return. The school, the parents, the children and the service work together in partnership. Distance learning work passes between families and schools throughout the travelling season and the service plays a vital link role in the process.

The Virtual School

From September 2011 all ascribed GRT pupils will have access to the Virtual Learning Platform. There will be opportunity to discuss relevant issues and to access appropriate learning packages.

This will assist pupils who have to travel either frequently or intermittently and help them maintain relationships with other children and young people from their community. to learn more about this service you can get in touch with the Children's Service GRT Education Team. 

Inclusion Project work

There are a number of Inclusion and Community Cohesion projects underway in Worcestershire to engage local communities and Traveller children and families together to break down stereotypical barriers and encourage the valuing of difference in both communities. These are all detailed in the Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) Education Team Plan. (where is this?)

The aim is to promote continuity in the education for Travelling Children. Schools are welcome to visit GRT office based at the Wildwood Campus, Wildwood Drive, Worcester where they can access a variety of resources.

All visitors are welcome, but please contact the service to make arrangements to ensure there are staff available to discuss specific issues.