In addition by working in partnership with schools, families and other agencies, the EMTAS aims:

• To raise awareness of 'Traveller' culture within the non-travelling community in school and beyond

• To ensure that travelling families are treated with respect and understanding

• To raise standards of achievement among 'Traveller' pupils

In 1999, OFSTED found that 'Gypsy Traveller' pupils are the group most at risk in the education system'. The main areas of concern (which could apply to other types of 'Travellers' also) were found to be:

• Low achievement

• Poor attendance

• The level of exclusions

• Obstacles to access

Dorset Traveller Education Support is composed of a team of teachers, specialist support workers and a play worker. The Service provides support for Traveller pupils, families and schools. It is funded to support families living on official or unofficial sites, fairground and circus families, barge dwellers and also housed Travellers.

Support offered to families includes advice regarding school and pre-school admissions procedures and availability of transport. The Service also works to ensure smooth and efficient transfers of records from previous schools or authorities. Highly mobile pupils whose records are difficult to trace are supplied with hand-held records.

Support to education providers includes direct teaching/playworker support for pupils who have experienced disrupted schooling.

Inservice training for schools and other agencies on curriculum resources and planning focussed on cultural issues is available from the Service, along with the opportunity to borrow from a large stock of resources suitable for all Key Stages.

In line with the Every Child Matters Agenda the Service also provides support and advice in relation to the 5 outcomes to schools, families and other agencies. These activities will include:

Stay safe

• Raising awareness to challenge racism and negative stereotyping

• Accessing a mobile unit to ensure that Traveller children have regular access to a safe place to learn and play

Be healthy

• Facilitating access to front line Services eg Health and Family services

• Working with families to raise self esteem and aspirations

Enjoying and achieving

• Supporting children in accessing education and raising achievement levels

• Providing homework clubs and play-sessions to support children's education experiences

Make a positive contribution

• Facilitate the setting up of a focus group and provide opportunities for them to contribute to conferences and youth forums

Achieve economic well being

• Work with Traveller families and their children to ensure their continued access to education

• Supporting various agencies to include Connexions and basic skills to ensure access to employment and training

For further information regarding any of the above, please contact the Head of Service, contact details are below.

• Head of Ethnic Minority & Traveller Achievement Service
  Name: Mrs Nikki Wills
  Web: http://www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=2375
  Email: n.m.wills@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 851302
  Fax: 01305 851381
  Full details for Mrs Nikki Wills
• Inclusion Services, Children's Services Directorate
  Name: Judy Whittingham
  Email: j.whittingham@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 851302
  Fax: 01305 851381
  Full details for Judy Whittingham
• Inclusion Services, Children's Services Directorate
  Name: Alyson Woodsford
  Email: a.k.woodsford@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 851304
  Fax: 01305 851381
  Full details for Alyson Woodsford