Roma migration from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) to England has increased significantly following EU expansion, creating sizable communities across England. Historically marginalized and persecuted, Roma migrants often distrust authorities and remain reluctant to engage with support agencies, complicating efforts to integrate Roma children into education. UK employment restrictions on migrants from certain EU states have contributed to Roma families living in poverty, affecting school attendance rates, especially at the secondary level, as children often help their families earn income instead of attending school.
Multi-agency partnership work, involving local authorities, schools, police, and third-sector groups, has emerged as a key approach to addressing these challenges. Research conducted in Manchester, Calderdale, Bradford, and Redbridge examined the effectiveness of these partnerships. It found that cultural tensions between Roma and non-Roma migrants from CEE countries often re-emerge in the UK, hindering integration efforts. Additionally, established local residents sometimes react negatively to new Roma communities, causing further social tensions.
Manchester demonstrated the most comprehensive and successful multi-agency approach, supported by strong strategic leadership from the city council and effective collaboration among agencies, including the police. This coordinated approach significantly improved school attendance and engagement among Roma children. Other areas, such as Calderdale and Bradford, initially lacked strategic leadership and coordination, though some progress has been made. Redbridge faced challenges due to limited Traveller Education Services and negative stereotypes exacerbated by police raids, but recent developments show increased strategic engagement.
The report shows that effective multi-agency work requires strategic leadership, cultural awareness among professionals, commitment to collaboration across agencies, and targeted support and training for Roma communities. It highlights concerns that ongoing cuts to funding and proposed changes to school funding systems could negatively impact future provision for Roma children. Recommendations include government support for partnerships in schools with high numbers of Roma pupils, funding third-sector partnerships, local authority commissioning of innovative services, improved cultural guidance for professionals, and the creation of a knowledge database to preserve expertise from specialist traveller teams.
