The Final Reports (2009-10)
Strand A
The ELAMP project has piloted a number of developments since its inception in 2003. One of the main thrusts of its work (referred to within the project as ‘Strand A’) has been to explore the use of laptops with internet access to provide enhanced, school-supported distance learning for mobile Traveller families whilst they are away from their normal bases and base-schools. From 2008 the terms of reference for this strand of the project were broadened to include non-mobile Traveller families. ELAMP, along with other governmental initiatives, has meant that over 2,000 Traveller families now have laptops with internet access.
As ELAMP comes to an end, it is hoped that the evidence from this study will prove of value to those who continue to support Traveller children, and indeed other educationally disadvantaged children within the schooling system. This is especially important given the long tail of underachievement in literacy and numeracy; with 20% of pupils still leaving school functionally illiterate and/or innumerate.
Strand B
One of the major educational challenges in work with Traveller families is to improve attainment, achievement and access to education. These challenges increase at secondary education level, as many Traveller children do not transfer; even where they do retention is problematic and disengagement high.
From the start the ELAMP Strand B project was supported by the (then) DCSF and coordinated via NATT+ to explore the use of an ICT-based learning approach which had the potential to reengage young Travellers at Key Stage 4 (14+). A specific learning framework was developed which enabled learners to achieve up to three ‘Wider Key Skills’ qualifications; accredited by ASDAN.
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