Category: ACERT

29 teachers and other education support staff joined the first Education Support Network Zoom call on 9th December 2020. The response was heartening because there was wide representation from across England and their contributions suggested that there is plenty of good work continuing despite the many challenges faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families and the services trying to promote their inclusion and opportunities.

Lisa Smith, ACERT chair, who previously worked as part of the Worcestershire TESS, described how important was the support her family received from the service, allowing her to progress to Higher Education and wider career opportunities. She emphasised the importance of creating a strong support network in a hostile political and media climate, without the support of NATT and under the threat of the pandemic.

Contributions came from Darlington, Hampshire, Norfolk, Liverpool, Worcester, Sussex, Wiltshire, Greater Manchester, Middlesborough and Cambridgeshire. People had different roles within local authorities, as traded services and in the voluntary sector, working from Early Years to adult education and addressing a wide range of issues relating to health, accommodation and benefits in addition to education focuses of access, attendance and achievement.

Several participants described their work, much of which was innovative and encouraging. Most reported education in staff numbers, reorganisation and changes in the relationship with schools. Several services still meet with those from neighbouring areas to share ideas and coordinate provision. In some cases staff have adopted new skills to respond to the priorities of schools and the pressures on mainstream services.

It was decided that we should arrange to meet each half-term. ( Jan 27, Mar 10, April 21, June 9 and July). Contact info@acert.org.uk if you wish to participate and have not received an invite.

Friends, Families and Travellers are working to raise public awareness on the experiences of young Gypsies, Roma and Travellers at school. They need your help! If your family has faced challenges in education, complete these surveys as a parent or with a young person and help to build understanding of how schools can support Gypsy, Roma and Traveller students.

Here’s a survey for parents: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JXXV2ZY

This is a survey for young people to complete with parents: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JNKZYHC

Each survey will take about 5 mins and when you complete you will be entered into a draw to win a £50 voucher. Thanks for taking part!

Since NATT folded last year, staff employed in schools and local authorities to support the inclusion and achievement of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children have felt quite isolated. The issue was raised earlier this year when we consulted about the Parent’s Network (which we’re also working on) and again at The Traveller Movement conference last month.

ACERT has applied to the Allen Lane Foundation for funding to run training to help Gypsy, Roma and Traveller parents to develop the skills they need to organise local self-reliance groups to make sure their children are not short-changed by the education system.

If funded, the project will run from Spring 2021 for a year, with training opportunities for each participant, sandwiching mentored activities with local groups.

It is hoped ambassadors and groups will contribute to a parents’ website, under development, and participate in an on-line network.

We believe that parents who are supporting their children in education have experiences and insights to share which can help reverse the trend of exclusion and underachievement which we have seen in recent years.