This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Guidance for gypsies/travellers' children
20/01/2003
New guidance to help schools understand the needs of
gypsies and travellers and develop inclusive approaches to
their education was published today.
The guidance was produced by the Scottish Traveller
Education Programme (STEP) and addresses issues such as how
to manage interrupted learning, difficulties experienced by
gypsies and travellers in accessing education services, and
bullying.
At the Traveller Education Centre, Collin, Dumfries and
Galloway, Education Minister Cathy Jamieson said:
"Every child in Scotland has the right to a high quality
education. Many Gypsy and Traveller families face barriers
when trying to access education services.
"That is why we are publishing guidance to help address
barriers such as managing interrupted learning, and the
need to look at alternatives to school education. The
guidance also highlights examples of good practice that we
want to see in more areas across the country.
"We are also working to tackle racism and bullying - an
unacceptable problem in modern Scotland but one that the
Gypsy and Traveller communities face far too often. We
recently launched the 'One Scotland' campaign aimed at
tackling racist attitudes in Scotland. The campaign aims to
celebrate the positive aspects of our multi-cultural
society, a diverse culture that includes Gypsies and
Travellers.
"Much still needs to be done, but the guidance launched
today is a step in the right direction. We are building
strong links with Gypsy and Traveller organisations and
will continue to work together with them to further improve
access to education services these communities
deserve."
The Minister will launch the guidance at the Traveller
education Centre, Thistle Grove, Collin, DG1 4JE on Monday
20
th January at 10:00. After officially launching
the guidance the Minister will go across to Collin Primary
School for a tour of the school.
An Advisory Group comprising of representatives from key
organisations, including the Association of Directors of
Education, the Association of Directors of Social Work, the
Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Learning and
Teaching Scotland and a number of Headteachers, supported
STEP development.
In addition STEP has put the guidance out to wide
consultation. Views were sought from a selection of local
authorities and schools, the Council of Scottish Local
Authorities, Save the Children, the Traveller Education
Network, the Scottish Gypsy/Traveller Association, and the
education liaison officers of the Showmen's Guild.
Copies of the guidance are being distributed by LT
Scotland to all schools, local authorities and other
interested bodies across Scotland. They are also available
by contacting LT Scotland customer services on 08700 100
297.