Practitioners' resources

Practitioners have a duty to reflect Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture in Early Years settings.

We have listed some of the available resources under these headings:

You can access details for each resource listed, including the supplier.

Save the Children is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Book resources - Gypsy, Roma and Traveller specific

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Acton, Thomas and Gallant, David (2000)

Threatened Cultures: Romanichal Gypsies
Describes the wealth of Romanichal culture and tradition, and explains why their way of life is under constant threat, as fewer and fewer places allow caravans to stop.
ISBN 0750228253  Wayland Publishers Limited

Bhopal, Kalwant (2004)

Gypsy Travellers and Education: Changing Needs and Changing Perceptions
British Journal of Educational Studies. Can be downloaded

Evans, Simon (2004)

Stopping Places.
A Gypsy History of South London and Kent The story in words and pictures of the traditional life of Gypsies and the post war changes which reduced the need for casual labour and led forcible eviction from traditional encampments to life "on the verge". Period photographs and vivid words of Gypsies themselves recall a lost world and the often violent transition from a semi nomadic life style to the officially designated council sites ushered in by the Caravan Sites Act (1968). Evokes some of the isolation and loss of identity which followed.
ISBN 1902806301 University of Herefordshire Press

Grimmond, P (2001)

Early Years: Traveller Children Learning at Home and School
Available from Paul Winter, North Yorkshire Traveller Education, Harrogate Education Office, Ainston Road, Harrogate, HG1 4XU

Johnson, Chris and Willers, Marc editors. (2007)

Gypsy and Traveller Law
Brings together areas of law affecting the travelling community. The only guide to cover accommodation needs such as planning, site provision, homelessness and eviction, as well as other issues impacting the day to day lives of Gypsy, Roma and Travellers such as education, healthcare and race discrimination.
Legal Action Group, 242 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9UN or email books@lag.org.uk

Kenrick, Donald (2004)

The Romani World: A Historical Dictionary of the Gypsies
An encyclopaedic dictionary of factual information designed as a tool for those working in education, culture, civil rights, and politics, as well as for the lay reader who wants a detailed picture of Gypsy history. A chronology provides an overview of crucial events since Gypsies came to Europe. The dictionary portion includes biographies of significant people of Gypsy origin from both past and present in science, the arts, entertainment and other professions. Full bibliography, an appendix of international resolutions and listings of major journals, organizations and museums.
ISBN 1902806263  University of Herefordshire Press

Kiddle, Catherine (1999)

Traveller Children: A Voice for Themselves
Drawing on over 20 years of experience in Traveller education, this paperback focuses on the ambiguous feelings of Traveller parents to education, the attitudes of teachers and schools to Travellers, and how this affects the children themselves.
ISBN 1853026840  Jessica Kingsley publications

Liégeois, Jean-Pierre (1998)

School Provision for Ethnic Minorities: The Gypsy Paradigm,
An edition of the Synthesis Report commissioned by the European Commission and published in 1986. This report, based on national reports by experts in each of the member states, led to the Resolution on School Provision for Gypsy and Traveller Children by the council and ministers of education, which was adopted on 22nd May 1989.
ISBN 0900458887  University of Herefordshire Press

Liverpool Traveller Education Service (2005)

Learning is Fun
Information for parents and carers from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community about the learning opportunities available for their children within Early Years settings.  Encourages accessing the provision.
Available from john.cole@liverpool.gov.uk

O’Hanlon, Christine and Holmes, Pat (2004)

The Education of Gypsy and Traveller Children:
Towards Inclusion and Educational Achievement
For teachers who teach or plan to teach Traveller children. It sets out what professionals need to know about Traveller culture, values, lifestyle, economic experience and learning, and relates this information to the educational issues arising from Travellers' learning requirements. Explains a variety of approaches on Travellers and schools and help teachers to reconstruct the curriculum appropriately. Case studies provided.
ISBN 1858562694  Trentham Books Ltd

Saunders Peter (editor) (2000)

Gypsies and Travellers in Their Own Words
A compendium of personal life stories told by Gypsies and Travellers, spanning the best part of the twentieth century. A valuable source to inform teachers about Gypsy and Traveller history and culture and aid in the preparation of curriculum materials for improving the quality and accuracy of knowledge for all children. Illustrated with associated pictorial records and photographic material.
ISBN 0950802999  Leeds Traveller Education Service, West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds, LS16 5BE

Tyler, C (2005)

Traveller Education: Accounts of Good Practice
Aimed at those working with minority ethnic communities as providers, trainers or in related professional fields, this book identifies where good practice has been achieved and how. It describes examples of successful work with Traveller pupils and draws on current professionalism and effectiveness in Traveller education. The contributors examine education and education welfare fields across all sectors of statutory provision.
ISBN 1858563089  Trentham Books Ltd

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General book resources

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Brown, Babbette (1998)

Unlearning Discrimination in the Early Years
Challenges some of the preconceptions about early childhood development by explaining relevant theory and research.  Provides examples of good practice and enables students and adults working with young children to encourage children to talk constructively about issues of discrimination.
ISBN 1858561221 Trentham Books

Brown Babbette (2001) reprinted 2005

Combating Discrimination: Persona Dolls in Action
Paperback describing how effective persona dolls can be in training young children, and the people who work with them, understand and unlearn their prejudices. Persona dolls challenge the values, stereotypes and prejudices that underpin racism and other social inequalities. They can provide an enjoyable, innovative and non-threatening way to build on a child's sense of identity, self-esteem and confidence and to encourage a response to others of empathy, respect and sensitivity.
ISBN 1858562392  Trentham Books

Bruce, Tina (2004)

Developing Learning in Early Childhood
A book showing how adults can support children and actively help them develop their learning in early childhood. Includes a wide range of examples from practitioners, including nursery teachers, health visitors, and community workers.
ISBN 0761941762  Paul Chapman Educational Publishing

Millam, Rosalind (revised 2002)

Anti-discriminatory Practice: a Guide for Workers in Childcare and Education
A wide-ranging guide to anti-discriminatory practice, incorporating practical applications, research findings and legal issues. Used widely in training for those who work in childcare and educational settings with an ethical and legal responsibility to take into account children's cultural, ethnic, religious and linguistic backgrounds.
ISBN 0826454763  Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd

Persona Doll Training (2004)

Celebrating Diversity: Inclusion in Practice
A video and support book based on the principle that good practice equals anti-discriminatory practice.
Download a flyer and order form or contact Persona Doll Training, 51 Granville Road, London N12 0JH

Siraj-Blatchford, Iram (1994)

The Early Years. Laying the Foundations for Racial Equality
Sets out the knowledge and understanding required to provide an education and care service for young children free of racial discrimination. Addresses the central concepts in racial inequality and the ways that these occur in the early years. Provides clear guidance on how legislation can be used to further racial equality. Particular emphasis is placed on the practical implementation of racial equality through curriculum and staff development in all-white and multi-ethnic early years setting.
ISBN 0948080647  Trentham Books

Siraj-Blatchford, Iram and Clarke Pricilla. (2000)

Supporting Identity, Diversity and Language in the Early Years
Provides the main ingredients for working with young children in a diverse society, including how to work with children in developing a positive disposition towards themselves regardless of their differences. Each chapter offers a clear combination of theory and practical advice, real examples and concludes with staff development activities and further readings.
ISBN 033520435X  Open University Press

Tassoni, Penny (2002)

Planning for the Foundation Stage: Ideas for themes and activities
Shows how specific play activities can be used to deliver the pre-school curriculum. The book helps students to complete curriculum plans covering the six learning areas of the Foundation Stage and shows how to differentiate activities to meet the individual needs of each child.
ISBN 043540167X  Heinemann Educational Publishers

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Free resources to download

Delamere, Andrew and Norton, Peter

The Travelling People Key Stage 2, National Literacy Strategy Activity Pack
Activities developed to raise awareness of the distinctive cultures and lifestyles of Travelling People, whilst also being a valuable curriculum resource.
Download from Newham Traveller Education Service

Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group (2004)

Health leaflets:
Heart disease & stress, Arthritis, Diabetes, Children's needs, Trailer safety
A series of short accessible leaflets presenting information using simple phrases, cartoons and line drawings.
Download from Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group or Tel: 01629 583300

DCFS (2003)

Aiming High: Raising the Achievement of Gypsy Traveller Pupils
A Guide to Good Practice
Advice and guidance on how to raise the attainment and achievement of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils. Includes practical guidance and examples to raise achievement and ensure inclusion in school life.  Answers to frequently asked questions.
Download from Department for children, schools and families

Dickins, Mary (2002)

All about… Anti-discriminatory practice
The requirements for anti-discriminatory practice and the legislative background, with definitions of anti-discriminatory practice.  Covers the starting points for corrective action, discussion of the influences on identity and the importance of developing children’s self esteem.
Download from SureStart

Save the Children (2000)

Anti-Bias Approaches in the Early Years
A guide for Early Years workers offering some practical guidelines for those who want to challenge discrimination and ensure an equal start for every child.
ISBN 1 89912 084 X
Download more information and ordering details

Save the Children (2001)

Denied a Future? The right to Education of Roma/Gypsy and Traveller Children in Europe
This four-volume publication highlights the lack of access to good-quality education for Roma/Gypsy and Traveller children in 14 countries across Europe.
ISBN 1 84187 058 7
Available on paper or to download from Save the Children

Save the Children (2007)

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

Save the Children (2006)

Working towards inclusive practice - Play and Learning Activities
A practical toolkit for all those involved in early years settings, whether or not they are currently working with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children.
Download from Save the Children

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Play resources

Caravan cover for Construct-A-Space framework kit

This caravan cover reproduces the living accommodation of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community to include their culture in home play activities.  Designed with help from the Travellers' Education Programme, County Durham.
Three Bears Playthings

Persona dolls

Persona Dolls provide an effective, non-threatening and enjoyable way to raise equality issues and counter stereotypical and discriminatory thinking with students, early years practitioners and young children.
persona-doll-training.org

Knockabouts Wooden Toys & Jigsaws

Large piece wooden jigsaws and lift out tray jigsaws featuring Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture. Wooden lorry and truck with attachable trailer.
For full details contact: Knockabouts, 23 Wheatacres, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1AQ  Tel: 01842 762560

Wooden Truck and Caravan

A sturdy hand crafted resource for 'small world' play.
The Parrotfish Company

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