Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children are the lowest achieving group of pupils in our schools, with many dropping out by Year 9, but can raising awareness of their unique cultures help improve their school experiences?
By encouraging these children to be proud of their culture and heritage, can schools tackle the bullying and prejudice that often leads to their poor attendance and resulting low attainment levels?
Pupils from Cranbrook C of E Primary School in Kent visit a Romany heritage centre where they can see traditional trailers and talk to a family as part of an awareness raising exercise, while a local secondary school has used the site as part of a DVD resource on the history of Kent-based travellers.
Schools in Brent and Hertfordshire also show how they help children celebrate their heritage and make the transition from primary to secondary school less traumatic.
