Families
Practitioners
Young
People
STEP Knowledge Exchange Centre
STEP supports education leaders, practitioners, and families to ensure that education is accessible, authentic and has the highest expectations for all children and young people from traditionally nomadic cultures in Scotland.– information for families-
Knowledge exchange and impact programmes
Traditionally nomadic communities experience the poorest educational outcomes and the highest levels of social discrimination of any minority ethnic group.
STEP’s ‘pathway to impact’ model involves creating partnerships at project, organisation and system level to inspire change. The centre responds to local issues, facilitates community participation, and collaborates with practitioners to trial approaches. A national steering group of key education stakeholders and a network of specialist practitioners ensure that policy and practice are aligned and results are diseminated nationally.
The School Pledge and Digital Transitions Programmes follow the ‘pathway to impact’ model.
The School Pledge for Gypsy/Traveller and Roma communities
The School Pledge programme forms part of Scottish Government’s National Action Plan for Gypsy/Traveller education. The Pledge is a commitment by schools to improve access, experiences and outcomes in education for traditionally nomadic communities. Find more details here School Pledge.
Digital Transitions for flexible learning and positive destinations
Our new initiative ‘STEP Digital Sacks’ helps young people from nomadic communities with transitions into and beyond secondary schools. The Sacks provide a physical and virtual toolkit with everything you need to be successful in flexible education between home and school. Find out more in our Digital Zone.
STARTER SACK programme continues to impact families
Starter Sacks distributed
Participating local authorities
Families impacted
The STEP Starter Sack Programme is now in its fourth year. Find out more about the programme’s impact on uptake of early learning for young children from the Gypsy/Traveller community and how to get involved here: STEP Starter Sacks
-Children’s rights resources-
The views and experiences of children and young people from travelling communities can tell us much about the barriers that exist within our education system. Hear what these young people have to say.
Article 28 Your right to an education
Article 2 Non-discrimination
Article 42 Knowledge of rights
Celebrate GRT history month with your class by being part
of the Art Challenge and Exhibition 2025
Find out more HERE
STEP EVENTS
STEP events are free and accessible to all involved in the delivery of education for traditionally nomadic communities. Tap on each event to find out more or join a live session.