Education
The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for Scotland's Gypsies/Travellers. Access to education is an essential element of social equality.
The Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) commissioned the Scottish Traveller Education Programme (STEP) to produce national guidance for schools and Local Authorities on inclusive education approaches for Gypsies and Travellers in the context of interrupted learning in 2003.
STEP have been commissioned by the Education Department to promote the educational interests of Gypsy and Traveller pupils. The first phase of the project will aim to research the effectiveness of STEP's 2003 guidance, and review other research and policy developments. STEP will then take forward a number of actions based on their findings, considering how to support schools in addressing issues such as non-take up of formal education, the impact of interrupted learning, and the provision of effective methods of delivery.
Through funding from SEED, STEP also continue to maintain their website, provide a resource library for the school sector, and maintain contacts in the field. This year STEP also produced three case studies, which considered how staff and schools work with Gypsies and Travellers to overcome the practical constraints within the education system.
STEP are currently developing two leaflets and an associated DVD for Gypsy/Traveller families on the education system in Scotland. The first leaflet will contain targeted information on the education system, and the second, issues around being safe in school.