ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the experiences of Gypsy and Traveller families who choose home education and specifically examines the experiences of such families in relation to the cultural norms and values of Gypsy and Traveller communities. It explores the discourses through which home education is negotiated in relation to traditional forms of schooling, and in turn how Gypsies and Travellers are positioned as marginalised groups within the context of education. The chapter presents the two case studies to explore the competing factors that affected two families. The case studies raise two important issues. Firstly, they highlight systemic, structural racism in which the 'choices' available to some families are often very limited. Secondly, there are clear concerns that poorer families are unable to access educational provision of an adequate standard for their children. Unlike the Connor family, the Greens were financially positioned to access all the advantages of successful middle-class families generally.
