Early Years

Working with young children from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families

We think that all settings, regardless of whether they have Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children attending, should represent the culture in a positive way.

Our briefing "A Stronger Foundation" explains why this is important, the barriers to this happening and what early years settings should do. Save the Children UK is calling for all early years settings to ensure that existing policies, procedures and practices are inclusive and culturally reflective.

Learn more about "A Stronger Foundation."

You can watch a video of one family describing their experiences:

We also provide the following resources:

Early Years Outreach Practice
Supporting early years practitioners working with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families; with transferable ideas for other outreach early years workers.

Good Practice Guide - Cultural Awareness Training
A practical guide to help Local Authorities and other early years services successfully include awareness of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture in equality and diversity training. Based on Save the Children's experience, the guide outlines key considerations and includes practical tips for trainers.

Working Towards Inclusive Practice - Training
A resource to support the delivery of training in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Culture for early years settings in the UK. Provides detailed material for training education and other professionals in cultural awareness.

Working Towards Inclusive Practice - Play and Learning Activities
A practical toolkit for all those involved in early years settings in the UK, whether or not they are currently working with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children. Provides detailed material for use with all children in the foundation stage.