"We want to be included": Gypsy and Traveller children pursue learning at Leeds GATE BBC Look North

Latest Department for Education data shows that Irish Travellers had the highest absence rate from schools last year of any ethnic group. But we know that's not the whole story. In the last year, over 150 children attended homework clubs or youth groups or received study packs in West Yorkshire. Barriers to education such as discrimination and racism within schools are not reported on, as well as the effects of poverty and poor mental health.

With school absences and home education numbers both on the rise, we think this speaks to much wider issues within our education systems that must be tackled. All children have a right to an education and to access learning safely and be included.

Our young people spoke to BBC News Look North and worked on this story over a number of months with reporter Sabbiyah Pervez.

Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (Leeds GATE) are a charity and community membership organisation for Gypsies and Travellers across West Yorkshire. We work to improve quality of life on the issues our members tell us matter the most - including health, homes, education employment and financial inclusion as well as social inclusion. We were founded by Gypsies and Travellers over 20 years ago and half our staff team and board are Gypsies and Travellers.

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