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<p>The draft Child Poverty Strategy document references measures currently under consideration
to improve the attendance of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) pupils. Attendance levels
for many of these pupils are unacceptably low. In 2012/13, the overall absence rate
for Gypsy / Roma pupils (15.3%) was around three times the national rate for all pupils
(5.3%) and for Traveller of Irish Heritage pupils, was around four times the national
rate (21.4%). Poor attendance at school is a real barrier to improving attainment
for this group of pupils and there is an urgent need for improvement. GRT families,
stakeholder groups, schools and local authorities – working in partnership – have
an important role to play in fostering the highest expectations when it comes to attendance
so that all GRT children can benefit from their full educational entitlement.</p><p>The
Government is investing £2.5 billion in the pupil premium this year to improve the
attainment of pupils from low-income families and so improve their future life chances.
Most GRT pupils are benefiting from the pupil premium on the basis of their economic
circumstances. In 2013, three quarters of Traveller of Irish Heritage and 60% of Gypsy
/ Roma pupils attracted pupil premium funding. There are no plans to change the pupil
premium funding criteria.</p><p>The summer term meeting of the Department for Education's
reference group on GRT will provide an opportunity for further discussion on improving
the attainment of GRT pupils.</p>
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