Education Inclusion Training
Supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and young people continue to experience some of the poorest educational outcomes in the UK, alongside persistent barriers linked to exclusion, discrimination, low expectations and breakdowns in school–family relationships.
Friends, Families and Travellers’ Education Inclusion Training helps schools, multi-academy trusts and education professionals develop the knowledge, confidence and practical approaches needed to improve engagement, strengthen inclusion and support better outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils and families.
Delivered by trainers with lived experience and specialist expertise, this training focuses on practical actions that can be applied in classrooms, pastoral systems and whole-school approaches.
Suitable for:
- Primary and Secondary Schools
- Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)
- Further Education Colleges
- Universities
- Local Authority Education Teams
- School Inclusion Teams
- SENCOs and Pastoral Leads
- Attendance Officers
- Safeguarding Teams
- Alternative Provision Settings
- Educational Psychologists
- Behaviour Support Teams
Why This Training Matters
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils often experience significant educational inequalities, including lower attendance rates, higher exclusion rates and reduced attainment compared to peers.
These outcomes are shaped by a range of factors including discrimination, school experiences, lack of cultural understanding, and historical mistrust between families and education systems.
Schools and education providers are often committed to inclusion, but may lack the specific understanding and tools needed to effectively engage Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils and families.
Without this, schools risk unintentionally reinforcing barriers that affect attendance, attainment and long-term outcomes.
How This Training Supports Your Priorities
Improving Attendance and Engagement
Develop practical strategies to improve attendance, reduce persistent absence and support meaningful engagement with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils and families.
Supporting Inclusion and Belonging
Build understanding of how school culture, communication and expectations can impact belonging and participation, and identify ways to create more inclusive environments.
Reducing Exclusions and Behavioural Disparities
Explore how bias, misunderstanding and systemic barriers can contribute to disproportionate exclusions and identify approaches to reduce escalation and improve behaviour support
Strengthening Family and Community Relationships
Improve communication and trust between schools and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families, supporting stronger relationships and improved educational engagement.
Supporting Safeguarding and Pastoral Work
Increase understanding of contextual factors affecting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils, supporting more informed and effective safeguarding and pastoral interventions.
Meeting Equality and Inclusion Duties
Support schools and education providers to meet statutory equality responsibilities and ensure Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils are included within wider inclusion strategies.
Improving Educational Outcomes
Identify practical, classroom-based strategies that support attainment, participation and progression for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils.
Organisational Benefits
This training helps education providers:
- Improve attendance and reduce persistent absence
- Strengthen pupil engagement and participation
- Reduce exclusions and behavioural disparities
- Improve relationships with families and communities
- Enhance inclusive teaching and learning practice
- Support safeguarding and pastoral effectiveness
- Improve equality and inclusion compliance
- Strengthen school culture and belonging
- Improve long-term educational outcomes
- Support whole-school inclusion strategies
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
- Understand the diversity of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
- Explore barriers to educational engagement and attainment
- Examine the impact of discrimination and exclusion in education
- Develop practical strategies to improve attendance and participation
- Increase confidence in working with families and communities
- Reflect on school culture and inclusion practices
- Identify actions to improve outcomes for pupils
- Strengthen approaches to behaviour, attendance and pastoral support
Training Topics
Training can be tailored to your organisation and may include:
Understanding Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities
- Diversity and identity
- Cultural and historical context
- Challenging myths and stereotypes
Educational Inequalities
- Attendance and attainment patterns
- Structural and social barriers
- Impact of exclusion and discrimination
Inclusive School Practice
- Creating a sense of belonging
- Inclusive curriculum and classroom practice
- Whole-school approaches to inclusion
Working with Families
- Building trust and communication
- Overcoming barriers to engagement
- Strengthening home–school relationships
Behaviour, Attendance and Exclusion
- Understanding patterns of exclusion
- Reducing escalation
- Alternative approaches to behaviour support
Safeguarding and Pastoral Practice
- Contextual safeguarding considerations
- Supporting vulnerable pupils
- Strengthening pastoral systems
Turning Learning into Action
- School improvement planning
- Policy and practice development
- Practical classroom and leadership actions
Training Formats
Introductory Webinar
A short, accessible introduction to inclusion and engagement with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils.
Ideal for:
- Whole-school staff training
- Awareness sessions
- Staff induction programmes
CPD-Accredited Training
In-depth interactive training focused on practical strategies and school improvement.
Ideal for:
- Clinical teams
- Patient-facing staff
- Equality and inclusion leads
Bespoke Workshops
Tailored training aligned with school priorities, improvement plans and local challenges.
Ideal for:
- Schools
- MATs
- Local authority education teams
Leadership and Strategic Sessions
Focused sessions for headteachers, senior leaders and inclusion teams.
Who Delivers the Training?
Our training is delivered by experienced facilitators with lived experience and specialist expertise in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller health inequalities.
Friends, Families and Travellers works nationally with schools, local authorities and education providers to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils and families.
What Participants Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this be adapted for our school or MAT?
Yes. Training is regularly tailored to reflect school context, demographics and priorities.
Is this suitable for whole staff training?
Yes. We deliver sessions for full staff groups as well as targeted teams.
Can this support attendance improvement plans?
Yes. The training directly supports attendance, engagement and inclusion strategies.
Is online delivery available?
Yes. Training can be delivered online, in person or in blended formats.
Book Education Inclusion Training
Whether you are looking to improve attendance, strengthen inclusion, reduce exclusions or build better relationships with families, this training provides practical tools that can be implemented immediately.
Next steps:
- View upcoming health webinars
- Request a quote
- Book a discovery call
- Discuss a bespoke programme