15 May, 2006 - Survey on Traveller Education Provision Shows increasing participation but challenge now is to increase attendance and attainment

The results of a Survey of Traveller Education Provision, were published today by the Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Science.  The report shows there has been significant progress in Travellers access to and participation in primary and post primary education. Almost all travellers attend primary school and there has been a three-fold increase in the number of students attending post primary schools in the past  eight years.

However, the survey reveals that just over 10% of Travellers who enrol in post-primary schools complete their post-primary education. This contrasts with over 85 per cent of students generally. Low attendance levels were recorded for Travellers attending primary schools and the average attendance rate for Travellers attending the post-primary schools surveyed was less than 50 per cent.

The survey was designed to evaluate the participation and inclusion of Traveller pupils in 30 primary and six post-primary schools. Principal teachers, visiting teachers for Travellers, classroom teachers and support teachers for Travellers also contributed to the survey. Primary and post-primary inspectors' observations of provision for Traveller students in mainstream classrooms and the range of supplementary supports available are outlined in this report.

Achievement levels for Travellers in reading and mathematics were found to be low relative to children generally. Commenting on these findings, Minister Hanafin said 'this report acknowledges the successes which have been achieved in increasing the participation of Traveller students in primary and post-primary education. When we consider that a generation ago, very few Traveller children attended primary school, the fact that virtually all Travellers are now attending is a major accomplishment.

While acknowledging the success that has been achieved in increasing enrolment and participation in education, clearly significant challenges remain in relation to attendance and achievement.

Building on this achievement, the broader educational community and, in particular, the visiting teachers for Travellers service, should focus on supporting schools in improving Traveller students' achievement and in promoting their fuller participation and engagement in post-primary education.'

The Minister outlined the important role which Traveller parents have as partners in education. 'We must emphasise the importance of Traveller parents as partners in the education system and we must work with Traveller parents in highlighting the benefits of the education system and in supporting them to ensure that Traveller children attend school regularly, improve literacy and numeracy skills and increase their participation in post-primary education so that they can complete junior and senior cycle successfully.'

Separately, the Department is also finalising a report on the recommendations for a five year Traveller Education Strategy. This report spans the full spectrum of lifelong learning from pre-school to adult and further education.

The full report is published on the Department's website and can be downloaded below.

ENDS

English - Survey of Traveller Education Provision
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