Support for GRT pupils in schools and settings

The Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) Service sits within the Inclusion and Opportunity Service and works to improve access to, and engagement and participation in, education of Gypsy Roma Traveller pupils. Our team members include the following.

Specialist GRT Practitioner (SGRTP)

Specialist GRT Practitioners (SGRTP) work with schools may take various forms including:

Support for individual GRT pupils who have missed significant periods of schooling to narrow the attainment gap
Bespoke transition and retention support for those pupils who may arrive mid-term or join school later than their peers, with a particular focus on pupils transferring from Year 6 to secondary school
Mentoring and well-being support for individual GRT pupils where there may be a specific issue that has arisen which has given cause for concern in school and is having an impact on the pupil's learning or engagement with school
SATs support in Year 6
Loan of culturally reflective resources to schools
Diagnostic assessments for learners with dyslexia

GRT Adviser

GRT Advisers work with schools to develop practice and provision for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils and their families at strategic and operational levels. This may include:

Training in raising cultural awareness, inclusion and achievement of GRT pupils
Advice and guidance to schools in narrowing achievement gaps and accelerating progress for GRT pupils
Review of progress and planning for next steps with school staff (headteacher, SENDCo, class teacher, head of year, parent support adviser), and GRT parents/pupils for those pupils receiving SGRTP support in school
Advice to schools about the English as an additional language (EAL) assessment framework for GRT pupils with EAL, which can be used to set appropriate EAL learning targets and monitor progress in language acquisition
Support with planning for transitions, with a particular focus on primary to secondary school
Advice on retention strategies for students in Key Stage 3
Support with cultural or school related issues that may arise for GRT pupils and their families
Supporting schools to develop links with GRT parents and community
Advice on distance learning materials and strategies to support those pupils who are travelling with their families for business purposes
Work with schools and settings to plan and deliver curriculum activities celebrating Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month (GRTHM)

GRT Community Liaison Officer

GRT Community Liaison Officers (CLO) work directly with GRT families, schools and the Local Authority to support access, admissions and GRT pupil's attendance in school.

The CLOs work with members of the Gypsy, Roma Traveller communities to identify and remove barriers to access, achievement and attainment of all children and young people from a GRT background and their work includes:

Outreach and in school support with admissions and attendance related issues
Home/school liaison between school and GRT families
Advice on attendance including the correct use of the T code and dual registration
Support with school transport applications

GRT Service Hilary Heath , GRT Team Manager

Hilary Heath, GRT Team Manager
Tel: 01603 495728
Email: hilary.heath@norfolk.gov.uk

Raul Alvarez-Conte, Secondary and Roma Adviser
Tel: 01603 307780
Email: raulalvarez.conte@norfolk.gov.uk

Claire Tattersall, Specialist GRT Practitioner
Tel: 01603 222245
Email: claire.tattersall@norfolk.gov.uk

Rachel Yates, Specialist GRT Practitioner
Tel: 01553 669679
Email: rachel.yates@norfolk.gov.uk

Corrisande Laniado, Specialist GRT Practitioner
Tel: 01603 222245
Email: corrisande.laniado@norfolk.gov.uk

Shirley Blow, GRT Community Liaison Officer
Tel: 07795 301024
Email: shirley.blow@norfolk.gov.uk

Cindy Campbell, GRT Community Liaison Officer
Tel: 07979 848168
Email: cindy.campbell@norfolk.gov.uk

General enquiries
Tel: 01603 307736