https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/en-USTelligent Community 12https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/the-service-children-s-progression-scip-allianceThu, 30 Jul 2026 10:38:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:5657d015-67dc-42d8-ba3b-9e085aec9c48ASK INFOThe Service Children’s Progression (SCiP) Alliance is a partnership of organisations focused on improving outcomes for children from Armed Forces families. It is hosted by the University of Winchester and supported by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The SCiP Alliance’s Mission is to support education practitioners to champion the progression of the children of military personnel, so that they can make informed and confident transitions through further and higher education into thriving adult lives and careers. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.scipalliance.org/about/information-page Connecting Forces is a pilot project developing an online space for young people aged 16 – 19 from Armed Forces Families, providing connection and a sense of belonging wherever they may reside, exploring the values of near-to-peer digital support. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.scipalliance.org/all-projects/connecting-young-adult-service-children-aged-16-19Scip AllianceService ChildrensService Children's Progressionhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/armed-forces-families-and-safeguarding-affsThu, 30 Jul 2026 10:27:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:3ced3c1a-ffc2-4931-8ac5-a33896cbf3deASK INFOArmed Forces Families and Safeguarding (AFFS), lead on the development of all Defence-level education and children and young people policy. They are responsible for engaging with Devolved Administrations, the Department for Education and local authorities. They also take the lead on Safeguarding issues and manage the childcare support policy, including handling the work on free wraparound childcare for Service personnel: Email: People-AFFS-Mailbox@mod.gov.ukService ChildrenAFFSChild CaresafeguardingpolicyYoung PeoplesupportArmed Forces Familes and Safeguardingeducationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/service-children-in-state-schools-scissThu, 30 Jul 2026 09:18:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:fe18c65b-7191-4737-ac7c-55a2f1118917ASK INFOService Children in State Schools (SCISS) is a voluntary affiliated network of state-maintained schools in England that have any number of service children on roll and who consider the issues affecting state schools and their support to pupils whose parents serve in the Armed Forces. SCISS host a series of conferences around England, which provide further information to schools and an opportunity to engage with education and MOD experts. More information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/service-children-in-state-schools-handbook SCISS website: https://www.sciss.org.uk/Service ChildrenSCISSState Schoolssupporteducationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/armed-forces-education-trustWed, 29 Jul 2026 11:42:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:70255478-2573-4bd9-866e-77835e231e84ASK INFOThe Armed Forces Education Trust : a charity working for children and young adults whose education has been compromised or put at risk because of parents’ past or current service in our Armed Forces. Grants may be awarded to help improve their educational opportunities or support special skills or talents. FIND OUT MORE: https://armedforceseducation.orgService ChildrenschoolsFundingArmed Forces Education TrustsupportArmed Forces ChildreneducationgrantsSCHOOLhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/mod-education-support-fund-esfWed, 29 Jul 2026 10:55:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:603e1580-99fd-4e5e-8ca2-a548654516cfASK INFOThe MOD Education Support Fund (ESF) has been made available to assist publicly funded schools, academies, and free schools throughout the UK, to mitigate the effects of exceptional mobility or deployment of their Service communities, Regular and Reserves. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mod-education-support-fund-esf-for-schools-with-service-children General Enquiries: People-AFFS-ESF-Mailbox@mod.gov.ukService ChildrenESFFundingMOD Education Support Fundsupporteducationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/moving-school-s---a-parents-guideWed, 03 Jun 2026 13:43:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:40d5fb23-4df4-4c79-8a0c-a74088421adbASK INFOMoving Schools – A Parents’ Guide is a useful guide when moving from one location to another. It is recognised that there are very individual and specific issues that Service children may experience as a result of parental mobility and deployment. If you have particular concerns or would like to discuss a child’s education further, please contact the Education and Advisory Team who will be able to provide guidance as appropriate. EAT (UK): RC-DCS-HQ-EAT@mod.gov.uk FIND OUT MORE: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/787792/ADR007943_Moving_Schools_Guide_ONLINE_PDF.pdf The Pupil Passport is a useful journal for children when they move Schools to reflect on worries, strengths, aspirations and goals. Find OUT MORE: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/783800/ADR008108-Pupil_Passport_pag.pdfEAT (UK)Service ChildrenEducation and Advisory TeamdeploymentPupil PassportEATeducationMoving School'shttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/wrap-around-childcareMon, 01 Jun 2026 14:28:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:cc413bde-2847-4b35-9899-437a43ad48adASK INFOThe Wraparound Childcare (WAC) was originally piloted in 3 locations between 2020 and 2022 with the aim to offer free childcare for service families, covering before and after-school care during term time, for children aged 4 to 11, easing the burden for service parents. From Autumn 2022 WAC was rolled out across the UK. WAC funding will now be available to all eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years, who are in school or being home schooled in the UK. If eligible, Personnel can claim up to 20 hours per week of funding for each child that is attending before and after school care during term time. WAC is known as ‘Out of School care’ in Wales and ‘School Aged Childcare’ in Scotland. Great news for Service families assigned to locations within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision. WAC Overseas is now available to eligible families in these areas from 6 January 2025. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/military-families-to-benefit-from-3000-of-childcare-support https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/ In Scotland you can get up to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare a year (around 30 hours a week in term time) if your child is 3 or 4 years old. Some 2 year-olds are also eligible. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.mygov.scot/childcare-costs-help/funded-early-learning-and-childcareWrap around ChildcareFundingWACchildcare costshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/m/resources/4736Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:50:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:ba685c0f-4ea6-4d97-91af-c684df33aeb8ASK INFOhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/m/resources/4735Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:48:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:0a6f10ce-b874-4a5b-87bd-f50d5a5c09ccASK INFOhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/pre-school-nursery-support-and-wrap-around-careMon, 02 Feb 2026 11:06:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a681a6c7-217f-43a6-aae4-62e588e4beecASK INFOTax Free Childcare is a Government scheme that supports working parents with childcare costs. Childcare vouchers can be used to pay any Ofsted (or equivalent) registered childcare providers, which can include nurseries, childminders, nannies, play schemes, out-of-hours school clubs and holiday camps, as well as certain elements of independent school fees. To find out more about how childcare support is expanding from April 2024 and how to apply, follow the links below. https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education https://www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting/childcareOut of School CareschoolsNursery SupportFundingnurseryEarly LearningeducationPre-Schoolhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/boarding-schoolsMon, 02 Feb 2026 10:45:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:192e97f4-1085-435f-97e9-02dd67ba8fa7RN FPS HQIf you are considering boarding school education for your child/children, the following information may help you with your choices. Boarding Schools are available across the UK. The Independent Schools Council provides details of the types of boarding school that cater for different age ranges, different abilities and different interests. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.isc.co.uk/ The State Boarding School Association provides details of state boarding schools which provide excellent value for money because they are only allowed to charge for accommodation costs and not tuition costs. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.ukboardingschools.com Boarding School Finder is supported by The Education Advisory Team (UK) within DCS, the Education Advisory Team are able to provide Service Personnel with a copy of the Boarding School Database in the form of an Excel spreadsheet. Please contact DCS via the email address below to receive a copy. Email: RC-DCS-HQ-EAT@mod.gov.uk Service Parent’s Guide to Boarding Schools covers all aspects of boarding education, including funding, selecting a school, academic success, extra-curricular opportunities, schools that specialise in art, music or dance, schools for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and sixth-form choices. Copies are available to download online. FIND OUT MORE: https://serviceschools.co.ukService ChildrenCEAfeeseducation support fundschoolsContinuity of Education AllowanceBoarding SchoolsFundingeducational feesPrivate Schoolsschool feeshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/relocating-in-uk---englandMon, 02 Feb 2026 10:38:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:9fb827b5-ad60-479b-866e-ccf73925bac3RN FPS HQService Pupil Premium (SPP) The Department for Education introduced the Service Pupil Premium in April 2011 in recognition of the specific challenges children from service families face and as part of the commitment to delivering the armed forces covenant. State schools, academies and free schools in England, which have children of service families in school years Reception to Year 11, can receive the SPP funding. It is designed to assist the school in providing the additional support that these children may need and is currently worth £350 per service child who meets the eligibility criteria: one parent is serving in the regular armed forces (including pupils with a parent who is on full commitment as part of the full-time reserve) they have been registered as a ‘service child’ on the January school census at any point since 2016 death of a parent whilst serving in the armed forces and the pupil receives a pension under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or the War Pensions Scheme Children have to be flagged as service children ahead of the autumn school census deadline. Service parents need to make the school aware of their status by talking to the head teacher or school admin staff. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/service-pupil-premium The Service Pupil Premium Examples of Good Practice Booklet contains a selection of creative and innovative ways in which both primary and secondary schools have used the available funding to support Service children. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-service-pupil-premium/service-pupil-premium-examples-of-best-practice Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales have their own administrations and therefore have different arrangements. The funding in Northern Ireland is sourced differently and is applied for in October each year. This funding is also not for independent schools or for MOD Schools. Additional/wider information is contained within the general topic area and the resources page: FIND OUT MORE: Resources - School Education - Royal Navy ForumService ChildrenschoolsSPPService Pupil Premiumeducationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-sendMon, 02 Feb 2026 10:36:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:39745056-2a11-4065-a23b-48c83a15dcbbASK INFOSpecial Educational Needs and Disabilities: If your child has special educational needs, you are also advised to contact the Education Advisory team (EAT) to find out about registering your child with them. There are several ways in which they may be able to help you including Special Educational Needs Allowance (SENA) if you are in receipt of a Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA). Local authorities have a duty to provide information, advice, and support to parents of children with SEND. If you think your child may have special educational needs, contact the SEN Coordinator (‘SENCO’) in your child’s school or nursery. Contact your Local Authority if your child is not in a school or nursery. In England, most offer access to Independent Parental Supporters (IPSs) who are volunteers trained to provide individual support to parents. For Government policies and support: England https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs Scotland https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/additional-support/ Wales https://gov.wales/additional-learning-needs-special-educational-needs Northern Ireland https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/schools-learning-and-development/special-educational-needs Additional information, advice and support for parents, children and young people who have or may have special educational needs or disabilities includes the following. IAS the Information Advice and Support Services Network provides a directory of support across England. https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/what-we-do-0/networks/information-advice-and-support-services-network/find-your-local-ias-service SNAP Cymru provides information, advice and support for parents, children and young people who have, or may have, special educational needs or disabilities. https://www.snapcymru.org/ Enquire in Scotland offers advice and information about additional support for learning legislation and guidance for families and professionals.  https://enquire.org.uk/ SENAC The Special Educational Needs Advice Centre provides support in Northern Ireland. https://senac.co.uk/ Additional/wider information is contained within the general topic area and the resources page: FIND OUT MORE: Resources - School Education - Royal Navy ForumService ChildrenSENDSENASpecial Educational Needs AllowanceSpecial Educational Needs and Disabilitieseducationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/service-families---term-time-absence-adviceMon, 02 Feb 2026 10:34:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:e73b675e-f329-46b4-b42e-1cbdc6ab8895ASK INFOBy law, head teachers are only able to grant requests for leave during term-time in “exceptional circumstances”. However Term Time Absence Advice has been produced by the MOD to provide advice to Head Teachers on term time absence for children of Service personnel. This ensures Head Teachers understand that operational needs of the armed forces may legitimately prevent service families from taking leave during school holidays. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-term-time-absence-for-children-of-service-personnel-mod-guidanceService Childreneducation supportschoolsadvice to schoolsState Schoolseducationterm-time absencehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/pre-school-early-years-supportMon, 02 Feb 2026 10:30:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:0c84e3c1-6c94-407f-9081-6d56706d701fASK INFOPre- School and Nurseries provide Early Years support to children prior to going to school. In England, all 3 and 4year-olds get 570 free hours per year. It has usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year, but you can choose to take fewer hours over more weeks. This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday). Some 2 year old’s are also entitled to free childcare if certain criteria are met. If working you may be able to get up to 30 hours free childcare (1,140 hours per year, which you can choose how you take). If you are eligible for the extra hours, you sign up online to get a code to give to your childcare provider to reserve your place. You will get the extra hours once the next term starts. Further funding for under 2year olds will be available for working parents. This will be rolled out in stages with 15 hours for 2year olds being available from April 2024, then from 9 months old to 2years old from Sept 2024. This offer will increase to 30 hours from Sept 2025. https://www.gov.uk/find-free-early-education https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ In Scotland you can get up to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare a year (around 30 hours a week in term time) if your child is 3 or 4 years old. Some 2 year-olds are also eligible. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.mygov.scot/childcare-costs-help/funded-early-learning-and-childcare In Wales parents and guardians can apply for childcare and early education for up to 30 hours a week for 3- and 4-year-olds. Foster carers and kinship carers (relative or friend who is not a child’s parent) can also apply. FIND OUT MORE: https://gov.wales/childcare-3-and-4-year-olds In Northern Ireland there is similar support for parents for those under School age. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/pre-school-education-places Registered childcare provision can found on the following websites. England and Wales https://www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting/childcare Scotland https://www.parentclub.scot/articles/early-learning-and-childcare-thats-free-you Northern Ireland https://www.familysupportni.gov.uk/ National https://www.childcare.co.uk/ To check if a childcare provider is approved or to search for one, and to find out more about help with childcare costs. https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs For additional information visit online social networking platform for parents, childcare providers, and private tutors. https://www.childcare.co.uk/ Additional information and support is also available through the Family Information Service (FIS) that is available through your Local Authority’s website https://www.gov.uk/find-local-councilService ChildrenNorthern IrelandEarly YearsnurserywaleschildcareeducationPre-SchoolScotlandhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/other-useful-informationMon, 02 Feb 2026 10:30:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:5873ea15-f502-4c06-b59b-d5790e733a32RN FPS HQDefence Children Services (formally Directorate Children and Young People DCYP) provides a single Ministry of Defence (MOD) focus for all issues related to service children and young people and the children of MOD UK based personnel and MOD sponsored organisations stationed overseas where they provide education at 22 schools and settings. DCS also directly supports Service families, providing advice on a wide range of educational matters both overseas and in the UK, delivered by specialist education and advisory teams. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/defence-children-services-dcs https://dcs.school/Service ChildrenService Children in State SchoolssupportDCSeducationDefence Children Serviceshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/overseas-nursery-authority-ona-and-universal-infant-free-school-meals-uifsmMon, 02 Feb 2026 10:26:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:76c4bb5b-f6aa-4852-accd-1226d287ab6dASK INFOOverseas Nursery Authority (ONA) and Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) The aim of the Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA) is to mirror the provision of funded childcare in England to locations outside of the UK where it is reasonably practicable to do so. It can only be used for the overseas childcare programme closest to the funded entitlement in England. ONA ensures that Service families are not disadvantaged when assigned overseas in an area that does not have Defence Children Services (DCS) settings, which provide childcare support for the equivalent to children aged 9 months to school starting age in England. Universal infant free school meals (UIFSM) provides funding for all government-funded schools to offer free school meals to pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-infant-free-school-meals-uifsm-2026-to-2027 If you are considering a posting overseas FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/education-overseas-for-service-children https://www.ihiveinfo.blogspot.comService Childrenoverseaseducation supportnurseryfree school mealsDCSinfantUIFSMArmed Forces Families and SafeguardingDefence Children Serviceshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/scholarships-funds-trustsMon, 02 Feb 2026 10:25:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c16077ec-bfa2-4071-8ebd-cf87cab58a1aASK INFOThe Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme (AFBSS) provides post 16 education scholarships for children of Service personnel whose death has been attributed to Service from 1990. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-armed-forces-bereavement-scholarship-schemebursariesService ChildrenScholarshipschools fee supporteducation supportschoolsbursaryeducation fee supportFundingeducationtrustshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/school-applications-appealsWed, 28 Jan 2026 13:35:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:66df40e4-1b03-41c5-8162-5f95144d4d4eASK INFOChoosing a school for your child can be difficult, and it's not always easy if the school of your choice is popular or already oversubscribed. The following information relating to the processes and the specialist support available is provided to help you through the process. Applications and appeals Contact your current Local Authority who will advise whether applications for schools outside your local area can be processed through them or whether you should liaise directly with the Local Authority in your new location. Applications for preferred schools require proof of permanent address, however there are measures in place under the Schools Admissions Code to allow you to use the unit address as listed on the assignment order or, if appropriate, a quartering address of the closest SFA where you have been allocated accommodation. If you have difficulty in providing this, ask the Unit Personnel Office/HR Dept. if it is possible to have a letter confirming posting to the area to support the application. You can apply for a place at primary and secondary schools online or by using the Local Authority application form. England and Wales https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions/how-to-apply Scotland https://www.mygov.scot/register-your-child-for-a-school Northern Ireland https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/applying-school-place Further application Information: England https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions/admissions-criteria Scotland https://www.gov.scot/publications/choosing-school-guide-parents-nov-16/pages/2/ Wales https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-03/school-admissions-code.pdf Northern Ireland https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/school-admissions-guidance FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions/admissions-criteria Appeals If a child is refused a place at their preferred school The Children's Education Advisory Team (EAT) can offer guidance to Service families on the process of appealing for a school place and can attend the appeals hearing with them. https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions/appealing-a-schools-decision The school admission appeal process is regulated by the Admission Appeals Code of Practice. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-admissions-appeals-code For more information about the Education Advisory Team (EAT), please go to the EAT information in this Topical area.applicationseducation supportschoolsEATappealsDefence Children’s ServicesDCSadmissionsEducation Advisory Teamhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/school-education/b/announcements/posts/assignment-overseaWed, 28 Jan 2026 11:26:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f4eeafef-da92-4d31-9a62-afe4311f44aaRN FPS HQMinistry of Defence Schools are responsible for the delivery of early years, primary and secondary education at a number of locations across Europe and worldwide. All MOD Schools are subject to Ofsted inspections and high standards are maintained with performance targets linked to national performance in England and Wales.  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/education-overseas-for-service-children Additional/wider information is contained within the general topic area and the resources page: FIND OUT MORE: Resources - School Education - Royal Navy ForumMOD Schoolsschoolseducation fundingDCSEducation Overseaseducationschools informationDefence Children Services