Memorandum by the National Association
of Teachers of Travellers (TF 31)
As President of NATT National Association of
Teachers of Travellers, I wish to bring the experience of our
members who work for Local Education Authorities and with the
travelling communities, including Showmen and their professional
organisations, to this inquiry.
Our members are advisers and teachers but also
parents, individuals, members of local communities.
The continued value of historic fairs
In all of those capacities the charter fairs
represent living continuation of our history. They are an important
part of the local history story and important to the character
and identity of an area.
The statute/charter fairs are special calendar
dates bringing entertainment into people's localities. The fairs
attract attendance from across the age range providing real family
and community entertainment.
The fairs (Showmen) pay particular attention
to disadvantaged, disabled and school groups within the locality
and extend the entertainment specially to them. They are equally
responsive to project work from school groups giving their time
to answer questions, demonstrate machinery or techniques, enabling
pupils to visit and comment on their living vans.
We should not forget that Local Authorities
earn revenue from the showmen nor the fact that causal labour
is provided by the fairs. The historical importance of the fairs
can and is being continued through modern practices.
The particular needs of Showpeople in carrying
out their trade
NATT has been a key player in supporting the
promotion of short courses for Showmen in local colleges.
High tech fairs such as those marking the Charter
fairs require skilled operators. Family education has sustained
the community and the industry for generations, but new skills
need to be added, eg business management, and existing ones need
formally accrediting and recognising if the fairs are to remain
innovative, exciting and well run entertainment.
Flexible short courses based in local colleges
represent an important need within the community.
Any other matters which may arise in the course
of questioning
It is not the role of NATT to comment on planning
guidance or planning.
Outside the travelling period it is important,
however, that families have a stable and secure place to stay
and from which they can access local amenities including schools
and colleges.
Schools and colleges local to winter quarters
can be supportive in developing the skills and expertise necessary
to meet the needs of the Showmen.
eg Distance Learning workwhich is school
based, linked to the school curriculum and designed to keep children
in touch with classroom as they travel.
Short Courses for Showmen in recognition of
this limited time they stay in the winter base before the travelling
season begins.
Winter quarters therefore, are essential to
the well-being of Showmen's families. This represents cost effective
and cost efficient planning.
Kanta Wild-Smith
President NATT
February 2000
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