On these pages we provide information for Traveller children and information for parents of Traveller children. Other sources of information include:
Going to school can be a worrying and scary time. However, we can help you with things such as:
- arranging a visit for you and your parents to the school(s) you would like to go to
- arranging for one of our team to go with you on your visit
- settling into your new school
- if you are bullied
- talking with you about any worries you may have
You may be in different classes to your brothers, sisters or cousins because of your different ages but you may see each other at break and lunchtimes. You won’t be alone though, lots of schools have buddy systems to welcome new children and show them what to do.
We have a team of people, the Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS), who will help to make sure your child can access education and has the best possible experience at school. The team works with the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit, which works with Traveller children, young people and families.
We support Traveller children and young people who:
- arrive from other areas
- need help with school transfers or transition
- are new to schooling
- travel seasonally for work
We can help you:- arrange a school visit for you and your child to the school(s) you would like them to go to
- apply for a school place and admission to local schools for a short period of time if your family travels for work
- apply for school transport and free school meals
- if your child is bullied and give support to you and your child if you need it
- school-based distance learning, enabling your child to continue education through the travelling season and keep in contact with the base school
- visits to you on sites within Essex to monitor distance learning packs and provide advice
Informing the school
When your child starts school you will be asked to complete a form about their ethnic background. It is important to choose the category that best describes your culture and values so that:
- teachers can link your child’s home experience to their work in school
- all staff in your child’s school can learn about your culture
- schools, the Department for Education and the local authority (LA) can check that every child is being treated fairly
- the school can take extra care if they know your child may be at a higher risk of being bullied.
Contact us
If you would like to speak to us about any of this information please contact:
Peta Ullmann
EMTAS Manager
Tel: 01268 531291
Email: peta.ullmann@essex.gov.uk