Insights

The LYCAM (Lycee, ca m'interesse) measure in France is used as a tool by staff and psychologist guidance counsellors to prevent Early School Leaving. LYCAM is based on a questionnaire with a preventive purpose, providing early identification of students most likely to drop out of school, and enables appropriate action depending on the nature of the support needed.

The POTHOLES initiative is an excellent example of schools in Ireland reaching out to marginalised families beyond the traditional, formal methods of participation.

This report seeks to inform and guide the short and medium term strategic planning of the 10 Urbact - PREVENT city municipalities and all other municipalities, local authorities and schools across Europe with regard to parental involvement in education for prevention of early school leaving.

Finland has introduced measures to support young children from Roma backgrounds participate in quality basic education. Between 2008-2011 at total of EUR 1,8 million has been allocated to these measures. One highly successful approach is the introduction of school assistants from Roma backgrounds to support young Roma pupils.

The 'Inside and beyond the glass rooms' measure in Portugal aims to provide activities at grass route level to engage Roma children at pre-school level in school and to support their families. Activities are carried out in the open air - on the street so to speak. The idea is that there is an open and transparent link between the school, the children and their families. This measure is supported by a multi-disciplinary team of experts in partnership with the school.

"It is clear from the Irish experience that educational initiatives based in schools can raise the educational level of the adults involved, and result in a general sense of empowerment in the local community. Parental involvement, especially in areas of socio-economic deprivation, does not just benefit the children and the school - it is a crucial aspect of lifelong learning" (Parents as Partners in Schooling, OECD 1997)

Study halls (Tanoda) were established with support of EU funds in Hungary in the 1990's, with the objective to provide support to disadvantaged and Roma students. Study halls offer a comprehensive range of services to support young people, with learning at the centre.

The 'Guide for working with Roma Families towards achieving the success of their children at school', developed in the context of the Lifelong Learning Programme project "Roma Families Get Involved", is available in English as well as in the languages of the countries taking part in the project (Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Spain).

The 'Guide for Roma school mediators/assistants', prepared by the Council of Europe, is aimed primarily at all categories of staff from the Roma community working to improve schooling conditions for Roma children.

KiVa is a research-based antibullying program that has been developed in the University of Turku, Finland, with funding from the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture.