Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru | National Assembly for Wales

Y Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg | Children, Young People and Education Committee

Grant gwella addysg: Plant Sipsiwn, Roma a Theithwyr, a phlant o leiafrifoedd ethnig | Education Improvement Grant: Gypsy, Roma and Traveller, and Minority Ethnic Children

EIG 01

Ymateb gan : Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy

Response from : Conwy County Borough Council

 

Q1. From 2015-16, the Gypsy Children and Traveller Children Grant and the Minority Ethnic Achievement Grant were merged into the new Education Improvement Grant. What impact has this had on the levels of educational support available to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller and Minority Ethnic children, and their educational outcomes?
From Conwy's perspective, we can not identify any impact on the overall attendance or attainment of this diverse group. We find the primary aged cohort of young people from a gypsy/traveller background do attend their educational provision, however due to the cultural nature of this group, attendance at secondary level is still an issue, despite Conwy Council offering bespoke packages for secondary aged pupils.

If this is a concern to you, how should this be addressed?
The only concern we continue to have is how best to engage with these families to ensure better outcomes for the children due to their lack on secondary school attendance, therefore impacting on their attainment levels.

Q2. How effective are other Welsh Government policies and strategies for supporting the education of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller, and Minority Ethnic children?
No Response

If this is a concern to you, how should this be addressed?
No Response

Q3. What more could be done to support the educational attainment of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller and Minority Ethnic children: 1. in schools; 2. by Local Authorities; 3. by regional consortia; and 4. by the Welsh Government.
No Response

Do you know of examples of good practice or successful policies? If so, what are they?
No Response

Q4. If you could recommend to the Welsh Government one thing it could do to improve the educational attainment of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller, and Minority Ethnic children, what would it be?
More robust legislation in relation to gypsy traveller families who are permanently settled and whom refuse to engage with either main stream provision or otherwise and that parents should be made aware of their duty to ensure education is suitable for age, aptitude and ability and that procedures will need to be adhered to in terms of continuity and ensuring better outcomes of these children, whilst acknowledging cultural diversity.

Q5. Do you have any other concerns about the amalgamation of the other previously separate grants into the Education Improvement Grant? If so, please provide details.
No Response

Q6. Finally, are there any other issues relating to the terms of reference that you would like to draw to the Committee’s attention?
No Response