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The Gypsy/Traveller community is not a homogeous group.
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Gypsy/Traveller people are one of many traditionally nomadic communities from different parts of Britian and Europe – each with their own culture and traditions.
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Gypsy/Travellers are a minority ethnic group and are protected by the Equality Act 2010.
ABOUT GYPSY/TRAVELLER CULTURE
COMMUNITY VOICE VIDEOS
What issues do GYPSY/TRAVELLER communitIES raise?
The main thing is who's making the decisions about teaching different cultures and religions in school? And why are Gypsy/Travellers not brought into it? We're not talking something new here. This is my father and his father - we're going back hundreds of years.
Issue: Gypsy/Traveller history is not represented in the curriculum
Gypsy/Traveller parents felt that all children and staff needed to know more about their histories and culture. Most felt that the information should come directly from community members.
If our culture is not brought into education the understanding isn't there for people. They (non-Gypsy/Traveller pupils) are only learning what they're taught at home. If I thought that they were going to take it seriously, I would offer to go into schools myself if I thought it would make a difference."
Issue: Accurate information is needed to tackle discrimination and stereotyping
Many Gypsy/Traveller adults and young people felt that negative attitudes about their culture were formed through unreliable sources such as the media.
We need to look at all the schools. The travelling community is spread across Scotland. The inspection goes out to all schools and they can ask why none of this (Gypsy/Traveller history) is going into a school. Then they'll know where they need to step in and take action because a school needs more.
Issue: Gypsy/Traveller cultures should be considered in school improvement planning
Schools are well-positioned to address the historic culture of Gypsy/Traveller children's underachievement and discrimination in schools.
Effective actions
To what extent does our school represent and celebrate Gypsy/Traveller culture?
How well are children and families from Gypsy/Traveller communities involved in assessing the effectiveness of the school for their lives and interests?
How well do staff know and understand learners' culture, traditions and lifestyle?
Resources
