June was Gypsy, Roma, Traveller History Month
Our team had the pleasure to visit schools across the county last month to deliver school assemblies based on this year’s theme of ‘What does family mean to you?’ It was a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of Traveller communities and share ideas around what family means and how our families and values are similar and different to each other.
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Here is some of the feedback we have received from schools:
‘We had a really interesting assembly in school with Ellen today. The children were all interested and engaged and learnt lots about the Gypsy, Roma and Travelling communities. The focus on families made it very personal and you could see the children thinking about their families and the things that made them special. We will definitely watch the video again and talk about what we have learnt in classes’. SENDCO, Kenn C of E Primary and Kenton Primary
‘It was a pleasure to welcome Ellen to Stoke Hill for an assembly to share this years focus for GRTS history month. Through celebration, education and raising awareness, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history month helps to raise awareness of these communities and their contributions to society, and to offset negative stereotyping and prejudices.
This year, they are exploring the theme of "What does family mean to you?". It was a great opportunity for us all to look at the different shapes and forms family can take, the relationships we have with each other, and the importance of family as a support network.’ Assistant Head of School, Stoke Hill Junior School
‘Ellen conducted a whole school assembly on the importance of family, promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of GRTS culture. This assembly highlighted the vital role that family plays in the lives of GRTS communities, emphasising their core values.’ Class Teacher, Clyst St Mary Primary School
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Celebrated throughout the UK and around the world, WFFM aims to unite showmen and bring people together to celebrate all aspects of the fairground, and the joy fairs bring to communities everywhere.
Showmen are intrinsically linked with the towns they visit and the fairgrounds that have been a staple of the community for centuries, celebrating this event makes sure this history and culture is recognised and celebrated.
👉Have a look at our resources to help celebrate World Fun Fair Month!
Ellen Tout our GRTS advisory teacher was invited to talk about the support EMTAS provides to schools and Traveller communities in Devon at the British and Irish Association for Holocaust Studies conference at Exeter University.
Ellen was joined by Lizzie Orchard, who shared her moving Porrajmos film and her experiences of sharing this with school children and Ed Pawson who spoke about antiracism and education in the South West.
It was a fantastic opportunity to discuss the main challenges facing GRTS communities in the South West and how much of a wider societal understanding there is of the history of these communities and the persecution they’ve faced.
The event closed with an open discussion how we combat a situation in which persecution against these communities has become one of the most ‘acceptable’ prejudices in modern Britain.
This term, our team has continued to provide expert advisory and bilingual support to many EAL children and schools in Devon. Our support programmes have been very well received in schools and feedback from schools and children is extremely positive:
‘’ I learnt lots from Mrs SG and the impact on my academic school level and my personality, when I started in year 9 my English was just very basic words and mixed up knowing the English letters, even no idea about phonics or speaking or communicate with other, but with EAL support I improved lots with all my subjects, Now I am in grades 3-4 in English GCSE, sometimes I feel I am so lucky to have Mrs SG support, my sister R and I always waiting Wednesday support because we feel close and well supported from Mrs S.
Thank you for all your help and support also in Arabic GCSE, without you I never access to do all this, many thanks for your patient with us. Now I can see myself in better future, because I know what I want to learn and where to be.
My wishes and hope all the EAL pupils to have opportunity for support because this support can transform their future.’’ Year 11 child from ISCA Academy school
“I have enjoyed working with the pupil, you and members of your team over the years. I appreciate all the support you and your team have given me and the pupil. “ Montgomery primary school
‘Our EAL pupils have thrived, thanks to the excellent support we have received from EMTAS. They have developed our understanding of the needs of our pupils, as well as providing specific EAL support.’ Offwell C of E Primary School
We are pleased to say that from September, we will be taking referrals for KS3 Home Language Assessments.
All teachers and practitioners should use the EAL proficiency assessment to track children’s progress and set language learning targets regularly. If an EAL child is showing challenging or concerning behaviour or an inability to express themselves or not making friends or making no progress in EAL you should refer to our Devon guidance pathway to SEN identification in bilingual pupils. Once you analysed all required information and reviewed your current provision and you are still concerned about the child's progress, please complete our online Home Language Assessment referral form.
It is also important to begin a Graduated response if you have any concerns about progress or development of an EAL child.
From the middle of July, you will start to see EMTAS being replaced with EDEAS.
EDEAS will officially become our new teams title from September. EDEAS stands for Ethnically diverse education achievement service.
So why the change?
We are conscious that the phrase Ethnic minority in our title is often and unhelpful way of identifying ethnically diverse children. We also understand that Travelers are an ethnically diverse group and our aim with our new title is to be more inclusive and outline our role.
In September we will do an official launch, including sharing exciting updates about our offer to schools and EYF settings.
Are you bilingual or know someone who is? Perhaps it’s a parent in your school or setting, or a friend. We are seeking on call Bilingual support workers to join our team.
This is an exciting opportunity for our team, which will mean we can offer even more support in more languages.
View the role here! 👈
Last month saw over 160 delegated attend this year’s Safeguarding conference. The theme for this year was ‘Safeguarding in our time’. Considering the new pressures and dangers Devon young children experience, it highlighted the importance of staying up to date with relevant themes and risks. There were amazing speakers and our team met many of our new subscribers.
For our new subscribers here are some quick links:
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From September the BPRI reporting system will be managed by DCC’s Equality, diversity and inclusion team. Please visit their website in September to find the new reporting link. In September EMTAS will publish the BPRI audit for this academic year and we will include the key notes in this newsletter.
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