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Gypsies, Roma, Travellers

On these pages we provide information for Traveller children and information for parents of Traveller children.  There is a lot of support available, we have mobile libraries, where you can find books, magazines and DVDs to help with school work or even just for fun.  Computers in local libraries are great for extra studies and our Homework helper is useful too. You can also get help to learn English if it is not your first language.
 

Information for children 

Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service 

Going to school for a young Traveller can be a worrying and scary time. However, there is a team of people, the Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS) who can help you.
 
We can help with things such as:

  • arrange a school visit for you and your parents to the school(s) you would like to go to
  • arrange for one of our team to go with you on your visit
  • help you to settle into your new school
  • help if you are bullied
  • be available to talk to if you need us.

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.
 

Information for parents 

Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service 

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 is made up of advisors, consultants and support assistants, plus an outreach team who work 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 with:

  • arranging a school visit for you and your child to the school(s) you would like them to go to
  • applying for a school place and admission to local schools for a short period of time if your family travels for work
  • support to apply for school transport and free school meals
  • advice on bullying and support for you and your child if you need it
  • school-based distance learning, enabling your children to continue their education through the travelling season and keep in contact with their 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.

If you would like to speak to one of the team about any of this information please contact:

Peta Ullmann
EMTAS Manager
Tel: 01268 531291
Email: peta.ullmann@essex.gov.uk