Traveller experiences of education have been mixed – but times are changing. Across Britain, families are seeing how early years education can help children grow in confidence, build friendships, and thrive. From Wolvey to Darlington, parents and teachers are sharing stories of children getting the best start in life.
Find advice, support, and childcare information at beststartinlife.gov.uk
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.
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.
Lisa Smith, ACERT’s co-chair, has been busy working on these two short films which challenge stereotypes and emphasise the values of communities.
After a devastating crash, Romany racer Georgie, ‘The Angry Bird,’ questions her future in a male-dominated sport and must confront her identity to return as the only woman on track. Directed by Jack Lilleywhite and produced by Lisa Smith and Masha Thorpe.
The film was made as part of the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund – a scheme created in 2020 to break down barriers of access for emerging filmmakers. The initiative also provides filmmakers with a foundation of knowledge and hands-on training to help them succeed in their careers.
New Voices from Wales
The Romany Traveller community has often been sidelined in mainstream society. Romany women have been cast in the role of mothers without ambition or power of their own, reduced to play fortune tellers or thieves on screen – but this is not the truth.
Lisa Smith – a modern Romany woman – is a Welsh film-maker with her own production company. Straying away from a traditional lifestyle of young motherhood, Lisa is passionate about celebrating the depth, colour and beauty of Romany traditions and life through the power of film.
Following her Welsh roots back to Carmarthenshire, Lisa speaks with her family about their shared culture and upbringing, which drive her to make thoughtful films that explore Romany culture.
