New film shines spotlight on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families

Part of the Government’s Best Start in Life campaign, the film highlights how inclusive early years settings can help children in the North West from these communities thrive.

It features the voices of real parents and teachers, including Cherelle, a Traveller parent who shares the value nursery education brought to her children.

Cherelle said: “My kids went for three days in the nursery, and it got them mingling with Traveller kids and non-Traveller kids.

“It gave them a really good start and helped prepare them for starting school.”

Filmed at two primary schools, the project shows what respectful, culturally inclusive early years education looks like in practice.

Early education minister Olivia Bailey said: “Early years education changes children’s lives – building the confidence, friendships and skills children need to thrive at school.

“This film celebrates the families and teachers showing what real inclusion looks like.

“As we expand funded childcare to give more families access to high-quality early education, I want every family – including Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families – to feel welcome taking up the support their children need to flourish.”

The film was produced in close collaboration with the Gypsy and Traveller community members, and was written, filmed and directed by Jake Bowers, who has 54 years of community membership and 30 years of experience as a community journalist.

The majority of the crew making the film was drawn from the community in accordance with the ethical journalism principle of narrative sovereignty.

Esther Stubbs, trustee at Friends, Families and Travellers, said: “For many Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families, feeling their children are welcome, understood and safe in play and learning is key to engagement in early years education.

“Positive early experiences support children’s confidence, wellbeing and future education.”

Children from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds are statistically less likely to meet expected levels of development by age five.

A spokesman for Friends, Families and Travellers said: “We welcome this film highlighting the positive impact that inclusive early years education can have for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and families.

“When early years settings build trust, value families’ cultures and create genuinely welcoming environments, children are better supported to develop, learn and thrive.”

The Best Start in Life campaign offers advice for parents and carers on topics such as infant feeding, childcare, and school readiness.

More information is available at beststartinlife.gov.uk.