Working towards inclusive education Aspects of good practice for gypsy traveller children.doc

Research Report
No 238
Working Towards Inclusive Education: Aspects of Good Practice for Gypsy Traveller Children
Kalwant Bhopal
with
Jagdish Gundara, Crispin Jones and Charlie Owen
International Centre for Intercultural Studies
Institute of Education, University of London
The Views expressed in this report are the authors' and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department for Education and Employment.
© Crown Copyright 2000. Published with the permission of DfEE on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Applications for reproduction should be made in writing to The Crown Copyright Unit, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, St Clements House, 2-16 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BQ.
ISBN 1 84185 394 1
November 2000
CONTENTS
CONTENTS 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5
1. INTRODUCTION 7
Background to the Research 7
Background to Gypsy Traveller Children and their Families 7
The Evidence Underpinning Concern 9
2. METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH DESIGN 15
Qualitative evaluation methods 15
Identification of case studies 15
Data collection 16
Description of the schools 17
Identification of good practice 17
Structure of the report 17
3. ELEMENTS OF GOOD PRACTICE: FACTORS INFLUENCING ACCESS TO SCHOOL 19
The Development of Relationships with Parents 19
Key Points 22
Supporting the Admission Process 22
Key Points 26
Facilitating and Promoting Regular Attendance 26
Key Points 30
4. ELEMENTS OF GOOD PRACTICE: RAISING ACHIEVEMENT 31
School Aims and Equal Opportunities Policies 31
Key Point 32
Leadership and Inclusive Ethos 32
Key Points 35
Behaviour Policies and Anti-Bullying Strategies 35
Key Points 39
Anti-Racist Strategies 39
Key Points 40
Special Support Measures 40
Designation of Sanctuary Territory 43
Key Points 43
Curriculum and Raising Achievement 44
Key Points 47
Flexibility in anisation and Teaching Strategies 47
Key Points 51
Resource Acquisition and Use 51
Key Points 54
5. ELEMENTS OF GOOD PRACTICE: STA