§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to improve the 47 per cent participation in education of traveller pupils at key stage 4 as outlined by the Office for Standards in Education's report Provision and support for Traveller pupils, of 3 December 2003. [HL647]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)We welcome the Ofsted report and the focus that it has brought to meeting the educational needs of gypsy/traveller pupils. We acknowledge that the participation rates of gypsy/traveller pupils at key stage 4 are unacceptably low.
Local education authorities and schools have an important role to play in ensuring that all children receive a good quality education. Education welfare services in each area have a responsibility to identify vulnerable children, such as those from gypsy/traveller families, and to help them back in to education.
In July 2003, to support schools and LEAs to meet the needs of gypsy/traveller pupils, the Department for Education and Skills published a good practice guide on raising the achievement of gypsy/traveller pupils which offers advice and practical guidance on actions to take to raise the achievement of gypsy/traveller pupils. The department is, additionally, funding a project in six LEAs at secondary school level which aims to improve attendance, raise attainment and engage gypsy/traveller parents through encouraging best practice.
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