The Good Practice Guide for improving outcomes for Traveller children in Parliament has been launched.

A PRIMARY school influenced by gypsy and traveller communities is helping lead the research for gypsy, roma and traveller children in eduction.

Mrs Claire Kent, headteacher of the Mount Church of England, where 36% of students are gypsies or travellers, attended the Houses of Parliament to launch the Good Practice Guide for improving outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Children in education.

The research highlighted subjects such as racist bullying, school exclusion, attendance and elective home education.

The launch included a round table discussion involving the Traveller Movement Organisation, academics from universities, politicians, directors of children services from various authorities, lawyers, traveller education and the four schools included in the publication.

"The topics of discussion were the conclusion of a three year research project across the country," said Mrs Kent.

"Discussions took place about prejudice, off rolling, elected home education, barriers to educational outcomes and good practice present in some schools across the country ­— ours being one of them.

"The launch took place in the House of Lords and I was asked to speak about our provision within our school and explain why our pupils were succeeding in education.

"I explained that strong and positive relationships with our parents are key to supporting all pupils.

"At our school we prioritise the emotional well-being of our pupils and invest time in meeting the needs of each individual.

"A child must feel safe, secure and happy before they can begin to learn and this is something that was celebrated in our OFSTED inspection last year.

"We are so proud that our continued commitment to our families and pupils has been recognised and feel hopeful that other schools will be able to learn from our good practice as it is shared across the country.

"Some schools have already been in to visit so that they can see our provision first-hand.

"We celebrate our diverse community and feel privileged to work closely with so many families from such a variety of backgrounds.

"Together with our strong Christian values, this diversity creates the wonderful inclusive ethos that we love about our school."

In the report, the Mount school also highlighted bullying.

It stated: "Bullying because of someone’s ethnicity rarely occurs at the Mount and is treated as racism.

"All incidents are dealt with a proactive educational purpose by talking with the children, and by informing the parents.

"The Mount does transition work with secondary schools, trying to teach them to be more aware of the Traveller community and culture."