The UNCRC and Gypsy/Traveller children (for teachers)
The United Nations Charter on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was adopted into Scottish Law on July 2024. Drawing on the UNCRC Articles, teachers can use rights-based approaches with Gypsy/Traveller children and young people. It is important that children know about their rights and teachers should help them to reflect on how their rights are being respected, or otherwise, in schools and education more generally.
The videos below have been produced with young people from Gypsy/Traveller communities in Scotland. They can be used with small, focussed groups of Gypsy/Traveller children or to initiate discussions as part of whole-class lessons. Teachers should ensure that Gypsy/Traveller children do not feel singled out or uncomfortable when their culture is being discussed in larger groups.
Let’s talk about educational rights for Gypsy/Traveller children
Introductory lesson
- Begin by watching the videos as a group.
- Ask each child to write down which right was being described in the video on a slip of paper. Gather all slips of paper into a box or bag.
- Ask children and young people to select one of the slips of paper from the box or bag.
- In pairs ask children and young people reflect on their own experiences. Were they similar to those described by the young person in our videos? Do they think their rights are respected with regard to the Article discussed in the video? What do they think a teacher or school could do to make sure that the right is being respected?
- Looking for more engaging and interactive resources? Browse through our Padlets below to find more rights awareness activities.
