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In this section you can find out all about the Equality Act, what it is and how it protects you.

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School Pledge to Gypsy/Traveller and Roma communities

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School Pledge to Gypsy/Traveller and Roma communities

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Education and change for mobile cultures

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Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month: School Toolkit

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Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month: School Toolkit

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A practical pack with advice, lesson templates, and celebration ideas to mark GRT History Month, helping to raise awareness and reduce prejudice in school communities.

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Every June since 2008, people from across the UK have celebrated Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. Through celebration, education and raising awareness, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month helps to tackle prejudice, challenge myths and to amplify the voices of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in wider society.

This year our theme for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month is " Weaving Journeys: A celebration of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller lives, histories and cultures ".

The theme will focus on patterns of travel, spanning across the past, and leading to the future. It will ask and feature where Romany Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller and other nomadic communities have travelled before, and where people would like to travel next, as a celebration of cultures and traditions.

Download our "Weaving Journeys: A celebration of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller lives, histories and cultures" GRTHM participation packs below for everything you'll need to get started.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2023 Brochure Expand

Have you ever wondered what popular decor might adorn an Irish Traveller family home? Or if there are any significant shapes or colours in Romany Gypsy or Roma cultures?

Then, take a look at our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month Brochure, filled with stories from Boater, New Traveller, Showmen, Romany Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller people, mesmerising patterns, and a look at what inspired this year's 'Weaving Journeys' theme.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month Brochure - Download here.

We've created an Education pack to increase understanding and engagement with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month across schools and prisons.

You'll find resources such as a competition for children to design their own patterns, or a how-to guide on raising awareness of and celebrating Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. The packs include something for everyone across education, from schools to prisons.

Education pack - Download here.

This year, we've decided to provide a Digital Engagement pack for anyone and everyone, so that you can celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2023 in your own way.

The pack provides guidance on how you can mark and celebrate GRTHM online, and the tools you need to do so - including social media templates and images, and print 'n' stick map posters, featuring stopping places across the UK.

Digital Engagement pack - Download here.

While you're here, why not check out our social media channels to see what we're up to this GRTHM?
@GypsyTravellers /FriendsFamiliesandTravellers @FriendsFamiliesandTravellers
We've created a poster timeline of significant dates in history for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers, which you can find in the packs above, and an exciting series of print 'n' stick maps, with marked stopping places across the UK.

Download the maps and stickers.

Celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month online using our social media images:

All of our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month materials are free, and we hope you enjoy them!

Your support means that we can highlight the importance of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, and increase understanding and awareness of nomadic communities. If you would like to help us continue our work in future years, donate here.

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Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2023 - Friends, Families and Travellers

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This year's theme for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month is 'Weaving Journeys', focusing on patterns of travel, old and new.

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Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised): The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the 'Changes to Legislation' area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

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An Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to education in Scotland with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Scottish Law Commission.

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Access practical CPD on developing racial literacy amongst school staff, essential for tackling prejudice and promoting equity for Gypsy/Traveller and Roma families in your setting.

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The programme aims to make educators in Scotland racially literate, effective at dealing with racism and confident in leading anti-racism.

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UNCRC Incorporation in Scotland: Implications for GRT Learners

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UNCRC Incorporation in Scotland: Implications for GRT Learners

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How the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), now incorporated into Scots law, strengthens rights and protections for Gypsy/Traveller and Roma pupils.

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Scottish Government Guidance: Improving Outcomes for Gypsy/Traveller Learners

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Scottish Government Guidance: Improving Outcomes for Gypsy/Traveller Learners

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Key document with practical measures for schools to support inclusion, engagement and achievement for Gypsy/Traveller learners. Useful for improvement planning and evaluating provision.

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Foreword

The defining mission of this Government is delivering excellence and equity in Scottish education in order to raise the bar for all our children and young people and to close the attainment gap. That is why I cannot accept the poor educational experiences and outcomes that some children and young people from travelling cultures have.

Together we share a moral and statutory duty to deliver the right to an education and a positive educational experience for all Traveller children and young people. To do this we must first recognise, understand and address the barriers to realising educational potential that some of these children and young people may face. This is not an easy task but we know that by making changes we can deliver improvements.

Across the country we are seeing the rewards of the collaborative efforts of some local authorities, schools and Traveller families. We are hearing inspirational stories of positive educational experiences, improved attainment and better life chances for some of our young Travellers. But this remains the exception rather than the norm. And so alongside this guidance, we are investing in a new programme of work delivered by the Scottish Traveller Education Programme to provide practical advice and support and to encourage and share best practice across the country.

We know that to rise to this challenge we need a collective effort: an effort that brings together those who deliver the education service with those whose lives can be enhanced through it; an effort which seizes the opportunities afforded by family engagement from the very start of a child's learning journey to beyond school age; and an effort that might need to start not in school, but in the community. And we know that our efforts must be based on respectful communication, strong relationships and ultimately trust.

We all need to work together, and ensure that we raise our collective expectations of what can be achieved. We all have a part to play - local authorities, education authorities, early learning and childcare providers, educators, school staff, careers advisers, further and higher education providers, children and young people, their parents and families, communities, the third sector. Our education system must include and welcome children and young people from diverse and rich travelling cultures, and adapt better to meet their needs. I want to encourage Travellers and their families to engage with and shape the Scottish education system in to one which works better for them.

This guidance aims to set the context for supporting Traveller education and to help those working with Travellers to build strong relationships and develop effective, truly inclusive educational approaches. We hope that it helps you to take the next steps towards a much improved future for Travellers in Scottish education.
John Swinney
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills

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Improving educational outcomes for children and young people from travelling cultures: guidance

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Guidance for local authorities, schools, early learning and childcare settings, and other stakeholders to help support children and young people and their families to engage in education.

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Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014

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Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014

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Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised): The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the 'Changes to Legislation' area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

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Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014

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An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision about the rights of children and young people; to make provision about investigations by the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland; to make provision for and about the provision of services and support for or in relation to children and young people; to make provision for an adoption register; to make provision about children's hearings, detention in secure accommodation and consultation on certain proposals in relation to schools; and for connected purposes.

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Additional Support for Learning policy and guidance

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Additional Support for Learning policy and guidance

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Policy on supporting children with additional support needs.

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Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006

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An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make further provision for the involvement of parents in their children’s education and in school education generally; to provide for the establishment of councils to represent the parents of pupils attending public schools; to abolish School Boards; to make further provision as regards the appointment of teachers; to make further provision as regards the content of the development plan for a school; and for connected purposes.

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Changes to Legislation

Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. At the current time any known changes or effects made by subsequent legislation have been applied to the text of the legislation you are viewing by the editorial team. Please see 'Frequently Asked Questions' for details regarding the timescales for which new effects are identified and recorded on this site.

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Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000

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An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make further provision as respects school education, the welfare of pupils attending independent schools and corporal punishment of pupils for whom school education is provided; to make further provision as respects School Boards; to make further provision as respects the functions, constitution and

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Changes to Legislation

Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. At the current time any known changes or effects made by subsequent legislation have been applied to the text of the legislation you are viewing by the editorial team. Please see 'Frequently Asked Questions' for details regarding the timescales for which new effects are identified and recorded on this site.

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Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004

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An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision for additional support in connection with the school education of children and young persons having additional support needs; and for connected purposes.

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Romani author Richard O'Neill (MBE) shares insights and reflections on the positive changes he's observed in education and shares how schools can best support travelling communities

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Listen to community members share their experiences of education and insights into making positive change

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Listen to community members share their experiences of education and insights into making positive change

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Gain further insight into mobile communities through the community produced materials below.

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Schools - addressing racism and racist incidents: guidance

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This guidance has been designed to assist schools to develop and implement a consistent and robust approach to addressing racist incidents experienced or displayed by children and young people in school.

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TENET (Scotland) is professional network of 32 Scottish authorities sharing best practices for traditionally nomadic communities, including Gypsy/Travellers and Roma. Coordinated by STEP, TENET facilitates training, case studies, and the delivery of STEP education intervention and social impact programmes such as Starter Sack home-play programme and Digital Transitions Programme. As part of broader inclusion efforts, TENET promotes and helps schools respond to nomadic needs, enhancing feelings of community and belonging in the education system.

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Education and change for mobile cultures

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Improving the Lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers 2: Action Plan 2024-2026

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Improving the Lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers 2: Action Plan 2024-2026

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This joint Scottish Government and COSLA action plan builds on previous efforts to address educational disparities for Gypsy/Travellers. It includes objectives for interagency collaboration, staff development through STEP, improved transitions under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) Act 2004, cultural integration into curricula, and expansion of the School Pledge scheme. Key focuses: anti-bullying updates in 'Respect for All' (2024), community involvement, and rights-based approaches aligned with UNCRC Articles 2, 8, 12, 30. Funding supports STEP with £234,837 in 2025-26. As a teacher in Scotland, I emphasise how these plans foster belonging by promoting culturally sustaining education and challenging discrimination.

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Improving the Lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers 2: action plan 2024-2026

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Second joint action plan by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).

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Supporting Gypsy Travellers in Education Booklet (2021)

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Supporting Gypsy Travellers in Education Booklet (2021)

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Produced by Education Scotland, this resource offers exemplars, professional learning links, and self-reflection prompts for inclusive practices. It covers transitions, cultural relevance, and partnerships with TENET. For teachers, it's an essential guide to creating welcoming environments where Gypsy/Traveller pupils experience belonging through represented identities and positive relationships.

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Ministerial Foreword

Making sure pupils are included, engaged and involved in their education is fundamental to achievement and attainment in school and ultimately to the economic prosperity of themselves and Scotland. This guidance looks at what schools and local authorities can do to promote attendance and manage absence. The joint concordat between the Scottish Government and local government provides an agreed framework of national outcomes. These outcomes support our shared aspirations for Scottish children and young people. They include the aims that our young people: are better educated, more skilled and more successful, are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors, responsible citizens; have the best start in life and are ready to succeed.

We know that for some young people, life presents particular challenges which will distract from learning. They may not be motivated by learning opportunities or there may be other barriers entirely beyond their control which prevent them from engaging fully with education control. Non attendance may be an indicator of issues or difficulties a child or young person is experiencing. We also know that the impact of non-attendance at school and non-engagement with learning significantly increases the likelihood of young people leaving school and not going on to further education, employment or training. This guidance therefore goes beyond the recording of attendance and absence and explores many of the circumstances which may lead young people to be disengaged from learning.

Included, Engaged and Involved does not stand alone. We are committed to ensuring that all children are included and supported to engage in and benefit from education through supporting schools to develop peaceful and positive learning environments; promoting positive behaviour; and, promoting positive relationships. Through personal support for pupils, our aim is for happy children to become successful learners, emotionally resilient and confident. Our standards for personal support are set out in Happy, Safe and Achieving their Potential, 2004, while the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 will ensure a focus on promoting health and emotional well being of all those within a school community in the widest sense. The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 provides the framework for individual support which underpins young people's access to educational opportunities in Scotland. This framework enables authorities to provide support for learning, for any reason, in the short or long term. Patterns of attendance and absence often provide indicators of the need for support, for example, truancy may indicate concerns about school, a young carer may regularly be late to school after having taken care of the needs of the family at home.

A number of the responses to the consultation on this guidance suggested that a booklet for parents should be produced. We will develop a guide for parents as part of the Making the difference series of information for parents.

This document is part 1 of our approach to keeping all pupils included, engaged, and involved in learning. As part 2, we will review and revise the current circular 8/03 on Exclusion from School. This will enable similar linkages between exclusion and achievement to be explored, and will specifically address the needs of our most vulnerable children and families, including those young people who are looked after and accommodated and those with additional support needs, based within a similar context of promoting positive behaviour, promoting personal care and support, promoting individual learning planning; and, providing flexible curriculum opportunities and supporting children and young people to access education.

I trust this document will help and guide you in assisting our children and young people achieve their best.

MAUREEN WATT
Minister for Schools and Skills
December 2007

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Included, engaged and involved: part 1 - attendance in Scottish schools

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Making sure pupils are included, engaged and involved in their education is fundamental to achievement and attainment in school and ultimately to the economic prosperity of themselves and Scotland. This guidance looks at what schools and local authorities can do to promote attendance and manage absence.