Are there different requirements for Gypsy or Traveller Children?

If the child is currently resident locally, he or she should attend school like any other child, (unless education "otherwise" procedures have been agreed).

However, the law allows a child to be absent if his or her parent's business requires them to move from place to place, provided the child attends at least 200 sessions in 12 months (about half time). This should not be used to allow a traveller child to have time off automatically. Such a child may be registered at more than one school - this means he or she will have to be marked authorised absent from school A when travelling legitimately or attending school B.

Close liaison should take place with the relevant Traveller Support Service.