How children and adults from the Gypsy Traveller communities experience education in Scotland

In 2022/23 Scottish Government commissioned STEP to undertake qualitative research to gain a deeper understanding of Gypsy and Traveller experiences and perspectives on education.  This work complemented the activities of the National Gypsy Traveller Action Plan, specifically the national listening exercise, which was led by Scottish Government Directorate for Equality, Inclusion & Human Rights.

The research gathered the views of 41 members of Gypsy/Traveller communities with representation from all age groups. Information was gathered through a series of dialogues and the process aimed to understand:

• how community members have experienced education and how this has informed their current perspectives
• how community members’ cultural beliefs and values affect their attitudes towards education
• what community members know about the education system, additional support and children’s rights in relation to education
• how community members believe education might be improved