Experiences of Traveller children in school more negative as they progress through system

While children in Irish primary schools generally feel happy, cared for, and safe, that equality of experience is not yet universal, the ‘Children’s School Lives’ study concludes. File photo: Danny Lawson/PA

Traveller children become less likely to have a positive attitude towards school and are substantially more likely to be placed in the lowest ability groups for both reading and maths.

In the early years of primary school, Traveller children generally showed similar, or even higher, levels of positive attitudes towards school, the curriculum, and wellbeing when compared to their peers.