0131 651 6444/ 07386656710 step@ed.ac.uk

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.

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.

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