Literacy and education
A high number of adult Gypsies and Travellers have low literacy
skills, but people should not assume that all Gypsies and
Travellers do.
There is growing acceptance in Gypsy and Traveller communities
that education generally, and reading and writing specifically, are
important.
Improved literacy and education enables the communities to
access services more easily, and stand up for their rights.
Increasing numbers of children, particularly up to early teens,
are accessing education. KCCs Minority Communities' Achievement
Service works to help facilitate this (this link opens in a new
window).
Attendance at school can help Gypsy and Traveller children to
understand society's and others' views and needs, and vice
versa.
Education for children
Families on unauthorised encampments will be visited by a
Traveller Education Welfare Officer and Family Liaison officer who
will work in partnership with you to place your children in a near
by school.
Your children have a legal entitlement to education.
Contacts details are below:
West Kent (Dartford, Gravesham, Tunbridge Wells and
Sevenoaks)
- Education Welfare Officer: 07880 784527
- Traveller Achievement Team: 01732 225019
Mid Kent (Maidstone, Ashford, Tonbridge & Malling
and Shepway)
- Education Welfare Officer: 07740 183908
- Traveller Achievement Team: 01622 605116
East Kent (Swale, Canterbury, Thanet and
Dover)
- Education Welfare Officer: 07880 784520
- Traveller Achievement Team: 01227 284404
Minority
Communities Achievement Service(MCAS) page on Kent Trust
Web.
Medway
- Education Welfare Officer: 01634 306000
- Traveller Education Support: 01634 715679
Playgroups, Pre-schools and Nurseries in
Kent
For help with access to the Free Funded sessions contact:
Sue Walton 01622 627212 or 01622 761050.