An investigation into why Traveller children’s attendance levels are comparatively lower than that of settled children and how Irish Primary Schools are helping to overcome this challenge.

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the relatively low levels of attendance and attainment of children from the Travelling Community in Irish primary schools. The research was conducted using documentary analysis. It is hoped that possible reasons behind low attendance rates amongst Traveller children will be identified and examined. The researcher also sought to investigate how schools are implementing and supporting the importance of improved attendance levels among Traveller children. The multiple programmes and interventions that the Department of Education and Skills (DES) have put in place in order to improve the educational experiences of Traveller children in DEIS schools will also be explored.