Project details: Pilot study to investigate barriers to educational inclusion for gypsy and traveller children in West Susex
Research Team
1. Dr Kalwant Bhopal
2. Dr Derek McGhee (Soc Sci) (Co-Director)
Funding Body
West Sussex LEA
Duration
April 2007 - October 2007
Grant
£20,000
Description
There has been a long history of well-documented concern around the education of Gypsy and Traveller children (Plowden, 1967; Swann 1983; HMI 1983; 1996; and DfES, 2003). This literature indicates that there are issues around access, attendance and achievement for Gypsy and Traveller pupils. The work of the Traveller Education Service over many years has resulted in an increase in the numbers of children attending primary schools, but there has been a longstanding concern regarding the numbers of children who are not attending secondary schools.
This research aims to examine the views of Gypsy and Traveller children and parents towards schooling and to assess ways in which achievement and attendance levels of Gypsy and Traveller children can be improved. It also explores the role of support agencies (such as the Traveller Education Service) in the education of Gypsy and Traveller children. Twenty case studies will be conducted with Gypsy and Traveller families in West Sussex. The parents (either mother or father) of children and at least one child (of school age) will be interviewed (a total of approximately 40 interviews with parents and children). The Gypsy and Traveller families will be accessed via the Traveller Education Service and Education Authority (Minority Ethnic Services). Interviews will be tape- recorded (with the agreement of respondents) and the data transcribed.
A report will be produced for the Minority Ethnic Service setting out study findings, conclusions and recommendations. The report will form the basis of the foundations for future research into barriers to inclusion for Gypsy and Traveller pupils in schools in West Sussex and the role of the Traveller Education Service. We will also run a dissemination workshop for the Traveller Education Service and Minority Ethnic Service to explore the needs of Gypsy and Traveller parents and children.
