Gypsy, Roma and Traveller National Symposium 24 th June 2013 “Roma Early Childhood studies and reports - A comparative study for Wales and the UK?”

“Roma Early Childhood studies and reports – A comparative study for Wales and the UK?” The planned use of our time: Introduction What is RECI and RECI+? Process and partners Why bother? Proposal for Wales and the UK Questions and discussion

What is RECI and RECI+?

The studies (1) Phase I: RECI research studies carried out in: Czech Republic; Hungary; Romania; Macedonia; and Serbia. (last 2: reports available – Romania and Hungary shortly available) – these and Overview Report –

The studies(2) Phase II: RECI+ Croatia (current research in action) Conference in January in Pristina, Kosovo Invitations have just gone out to Kosovo (as defined by the UN Resolution 1244), Republic of Albania, Republic of Bulgaria and the Slovak Republic.

The Studies and Reports The research studies look in a number of countries at how early childhood policies, provision and practice impact on young Roma children and their families including access and appropriateness. In addition to this analysis, the aim of the research and the published reports is to be a catalyst to the promotion of systematic reforms that ensure universal access to high quality, culturally appropriate early childhood development services.

Where RECI fits and its partners (1) One Open Society Foundations (OSF) strategy is the: –Early Childhood Program for all children- –‘Promoting Equality, Rights and Human Capability through Investments in the Very Young’ ‘The “Kopaçi” Program is that aspect of the work that seeks to improve the lives of Roma children and their families by directly working with them in their homes and communities.’ ‘Investing in the youngest Roma children is essential in order to realize Roma rights, foster equality and build human capability’

Where RECI fits and its partners (2) International: The Roma Early Childhood Inclusion+ Studies and Reports are a joint initiative with the key partners: –The Roma Education Fund (REF) –UNICEF –The International Step-by-Step Association (ISSA) –Save the Children International (SCI) Locally: Respected university research institutes, national Early Childhood Development organisations, Roma NGO’s and local offices and representatives of the international partners above.

Why bother? Roma (including Gypsies and Travellers) have generally an almost universal experience of exclusion from formal early years education, mostly exacerbated by centuries of racial prejudice, discrimination and the consequent multiple deprivations. The impact on educational outcomes is stark!

England: For those GRT children in early years provision - marked contrast with all pupils and those on ‘Free School Meals’

England: Marked contrast with all pupils and those on ‘Free School Meals’

England: The ‘knock-on’ impact: marked contrast with all pupils and those on ‘Free School Meals’ Gap remains into primary education!

England: The ‘knock-on’ impact: marked contrast with all pupils and those on ‘Free School Meals’ Gap remains into secondary education!

Why bother? All the international evidence stemming from brain research, educational outcome studies, life-chance analysis, and pioneering policy initiatives, irrefutably demonstrates that positive early childhood educational experiences have a dramatic impact on the quality and nature of lifelong outcomes. So investment in the early childhoods of Roma, Gypsy and Traveller children must be seen as a priority if the European crisis for these communities is ever to be resolved and if they are to be included with dignity and respect into European society as equal citizens.

Proposal for Wales & the UK Such an initiative would be in keeping with the Welsh Assembly’s keen attention to equalities and human rights issues, particularly for marginalised groups. Such a study in the UK would also help to point out potential policy, provision and practice dysfunctions that may be disadvantaging many other deprived and marginalised communities. And, finally, such a study will go some way to ensuring a good start in quality early years education for the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller young children across Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.

Thank you for listening Have a wonderful day and let us welcome a new dawn