ACERT is a UK wide organisation and on February 25th 2026 we heard presentations about how Ireland and Scotland are moving forward in promoting the educational inclusion and opportunities of the Romany and Traveller communities within their areas.
We had also hoped to include speakers from Northern Ireland and Wales, both regions which have their own Education policies for including our communities, but due to circumstances beyond our control they were not able to join us. We hope we’ll be able to find out about their work at a future meeting.
Marie Bowers, Co-chair of ACERT recoded an excellent presentation on developments in Irish education and Owen Ward from the University of Galway set the policies in context.
Owen Ward from the University of Galway explained his role in widening the participation of Traveller and Roma, together with other minorities and disadvantaged students through all phases of education. He explained that there are currently 34 Traveller students attending his University. He emphasised the importance of Traveller Organisations in engaging with potential students and making them aware of the support available to allow them to study. He mentioned Scholarships, Wrap-around support, the Equality Diversity and Inclusion agenda and the Higher Education Inclusion Charter.
The work of STEP
Pauline Duncan, the STEP Project Coordinator described the work of the Knowledge Exchange based at Moray House, University of Edinburgh and supported by the Scottish Government Equalities and Human Rights, and Learning Directorates.
STEP KE supports education leaders, practitioners, and families to ensure that education is accessible, culturally-sustaining and has the highest expectations for all children and young people from traditionally nomadic cultures in Scotland.
The pdf of her presentation below gives links and QR codes which illustrate the range of activities being supported in the Region.
Emma Nuttall of Friends and Families of Traveller agreed to suggest the lack of an English Education Inclusion policy for Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen and Boaters should be raised with the All Party Parliamentary Group and the Education Stakeholder Group.
