Danielle Mason, who rose to fame as a Page 3 model before marrying Traveller and mixed martial artist Tony Giles, has made the difficult decision to withdraw her 14-year-old son Rudy from school. The couple, who starred in My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, split in 2016, leaving Danielle to raise their two children, Rudy and Delilah, 12, as a single mother.
Educational Challenges for Traveller Children
It is not uncommon for children from Traveller families to leave mainstream education early to be homeschooled or pursue vocational paths. Statistics show that in the last decade, around 42 per cent of Traveller children left school with no qualifications, and only about 25 per cent achieved five or more GCSEs. Rudy, who has special educational needs and ADHD, has struggled with learning for years and is now set to leave school before taking his GCSEs.
Danielle's Perspective
Danielle, sister of EastEnders star Jessie Wallace, told the Daily Mail: 'I am going through this schooling issue at the moment. My son is half Traveller. I brought my kids up like how I was brought up - going to school. But for some reason my kids just don't fit in the school system. Everyone says it is because they have Gypsy in their blood.'
She explained that both her children have ADHD and that schools often lack understanding of Traveller heritage and culture. 'I do butt heads with his dad as he wanted to take him out, and at first I thought he should at least get his Maths and English, but none of his cousins go to school; he is the only boy in the family that does now.'
Struggles with the School System
Danielle described the challenges of co-parenting with Tony, who believes Traveller children should leave school at 12. 'I have a meeting with the school next week to de-register him. I am sick of the school ringing me about his behaviour, and it is embarrassing.' She noted that Rudy's first senior school led to frequent suspensions, damaging his confidence. 'He felt like he didn't fit in.'
Despite trying a second school, Danielle has reached a breaking point. 'I have got to the point with him that I know it is not for him. It is more hassle putting him in than having him out. They ring me all the time saying they can't meet his needs.'
A New Path
Danielle now feels happier about the decision. 'I don't think that school is for every child. He is out with his dad learning about landscaping and brickworking. He gets frustrated calling me saying "why will I ever need algebra and RE?" He will have his business when he is 18 doing manual labour. He is good with his hands, so it is better to pull him out.'
She acknowledges the cultural clash with Tony, especially regarding their daughter Delilah. 'I am worried if Delilah doesn't go. It is a culture clash when your kids get older and you are co-parenting. It has been challenging co-parenting over the years, but we do tend to get on now. And I can see that the schooling thing just isn't working out.'
Danielle concluded: 'I have exhausted every avenue, and now he can go with his dad and learn business. I don't want teachers ringing me stressed all the time as it's not fair on him or other students. Enough is enough now. I have had four years of stress.'
