Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) pupils

Who are Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children?

The term Gypsy, Roma Traveller refers to a number of quite different communities who share some similar characteristics, predominantly a travelling lifestyle or history of a travelling lifestyle.

Many Gypsy Roma and Travellers have ethnic minority status and are therefore protected under the Equality Act 2010. The main traveller groups are:

• Romanichals (English Gypsies)
• Showmen (Fairground Community)
• Roma (Eastern European)
• Irish Travellers
• Welsh Gypsies
• Scottish Gypsies
• Circus Travellers
• Bargees
• New Age Travellers

Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers have been living in and visiting Salford for many generations. Travelling remains a recognised part of their heritage for some families, even if only for part of the year, alongside very specific social and cultural traditions.

Although some families still live in trailers on official traveller sites, as like the rest of the UK, the majority of the community in Salford now reside in 'bricks and mortar' accommodation.

The reason for this is largely attributed to need rather than choice, with a limited number of pitches nationally and locally.

The arrival of Roma from Eastern Europe in Salford is one of the more recent migrations to the city and mainly comprises Roma from the Czech Republic and Slovakia but not exclusively.

Historically many of the Gypsy Roma Traveller communities have faced very high levels of discrimination and prejudice and unfortunately this still remains the case in many respects.

The situation is particularly difficult for Roma living in some Eastern European countries where they are often denied their rights to a decent education and standard of living simply because of their ethnicity.

Historical prejudice has also produced distrust and a fear of officialdom and the intentions of authorities in general which is hardly surprising.

For more information on the different traveller groups please see the downloadable documents at the bottom of this page.

Salford EMTAS offers the following advice, support and training to Salford primary and secondary schools with Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) learners:

• Direct support to GRT pupils to help narrow the attainment gap and encourage school attendance
• Cultural awareness sessions on Gypsy Roma Traveller communities
• Best Practice Strategies for welcoming GRT children and families into school
• Development of a range of strategies and resources to use when working with Gypsy Roma Traveller children

All training sessions will include the following:

• Raising awareness of the ethnic, cultural, educational and linguistic backgrounds of Gypsy Roma Traveller children
• Understanding the emotional challenges faced by these ethnic minority children pupils
• Development of a range of strategies and resources to ensure access to the mainstream curriculum
• Promotion of equality and inclusion

For more information please contact the EMTAS team on 0161 778 0410 or email emtas@salford.gov.uk.

This page was last updated on 15 March 2024