Traveller families require mobile solutions

They are the worst-performing ethnic group, with only 3.9 per cent achieving five top GCSE passes. A recent study showed the number of pupils from Roma Gypsy and Irish Traveller groups achieving five A* to C grades at GCSE has fallen dramatically, with Irish Traveller pupils who achieved the highest marks falling to 15.6 per cent in 2007 (14 per cent for Roma pupils). Reversing this trend is vital to ensure the Every Child Matters objectives are met.

One organisation that seeks to provide extra support to address this nationally is the E-Learning and Mobility Project (E-Lamp). This was devised to provide educational support to Traveller children when the mobile lifestyles of their parents prevent them from attending mainstream school for several months of the year. E-Lamp is currently managed by the National Association of Teachers of Travellers and is funded by the government. It works with 35 local authorities across the country and with more than 350 Traveller pupils. Laptops and data cards are used alongside other learning materials to allow distance learning. Evidence from these projects has shown that motivation increases, achievement is improved, and pupils re-integrate far more easily after having had the opportunity to learn remotely.