https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/This area will provide Service Families and schools with the knowledge to better support their Service children.en-USTelligent Community 12https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/new-royal-navy-forum-youth-group-for-13---19-year-oldsWed, 22 Apr 2026 14:46:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8f16c01c-79bf-4b5c-9480-894af778cc10ASK INFOThe RN Forum Youth Group is a space for young people between 13 and 19 to engage with others within the RN Community, take part in online activities, make new friends and provide peer-to-peer support. To find out more and how to become a member of the Youth Group email: navypeople-psrnfpscom@mod.gov.ukhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/defence-children-servicesWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:16:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:124cc190-49fd-469e-915c-1a1a4af2a8d0ASK INFODefence 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-dcsService ChildrenschoolsadviceService FamiliesYoung PeopleDCSeducationDefence Children Serviceshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/the-education-advisory-team-eat-ukWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:15:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7dea6f44-c5a6-4b60-b4f5-a690dab972e1ASK INFOThe Education Advisory Team (EAT) (UK ) is part of Defence Children's Services. It provides professional information, advice and guidance regarding the education of Service Children in the UK. EAT also provides advice and guidance for service personnel and eligible MOD civilians regarding education and education-related issues, such as retention of Service Family Accommodation, the Continuity of Education Allowance & the Special Educational Needs Addition, Special Educational Needs and School Admissions. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/defence-children-services-dcs For any enquiries or questions, please email: RC-DCS-HQ-EAT@mod.gov.ukService ChildrenCEAguidanceContinuity of Education AllowanceService Families AccommodationadviceEATSchool AdmissionsDCSeducationSpecial Educational Needs AdditionDefence Children ServicesRetentionEducation Advisory Teamhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/the-overseas-education-and-supportability-team-oestWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:14:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:92606222-b5af-4af6-9c33-aca900971750ASK INFOThe Overseas Education and Supportability Team (OEST) provides professional information, advice and guidance for service personal and eligible MOD civilians regarding the education of their children in overseas locations. OEST also provides educational advice and support for overseas commands and DCS schools and settings. This team coordinates the educational supportability assessment process for overseas postings, in respect of children with Special Educational Needs and those for whom parents have selected Elective Home Education. For Enquiries, please email: RC-DCS-HQ-OES@mod.gov.uk FIND OUT MORE : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/education-overseas-for-service-childrenService ChildrenOverseas PostingsoverseasElective Home EducationService FamiliesOESTEducational Supportanility AssessmentSpecial educational needsDCSeducationOverseas Education and Supportability TeamDCS Schoolshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/moving-schools-a-parents-guideWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:13:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:aab4d484-51d5-40e4-8029-491130943d50ASK INFOMoving Schools – A Parents’ Guide is useful 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 EATs. The guide is available for download at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/787792/ADR007943_Moving_Schools_Guide_ONLINE_PDF.pdfService ChildrenMoving Schoolseducationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/applying-for-a-school-place-and-the-appeals-processWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:12:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:93ad3bca-cb31-464b-a52d-52a179e00d18ASK INFOApplications for preferred schools require proof of permanent address, however there are measures in place under the Schools Admissions Code to allow Service families to use the unit address as listed on the assignment order or, if appropriate, a quartering address of the closest Service Families Accommodation where they have been allocated accommodation. The Unit Personnel Office/HR Department may be able to provide a letter confirming posting to the area to support the application. FIND OUT MORE: 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 If a child is refused a place at their preferred school The Education Advisory Team (EATs) can offer guidance and support on admissions and appeals to Service families. Follow the link below for the Defence Children’s Services information and forms. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcyp-forms-and-information-sheets https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions/appealing-a-schools-decisionService ChildrenDefence Children's ServicesEATSchool Admissions CodeService FamiliesappealsSchool AdmissionsDCSeducationadmissionsEducation Advisory Teamhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/term-time-absence-adviceWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:11:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:819ae48e-3e47-4d84-842b-cf54616bec37ASK INFOTerm Time Absence Advice has been produced by the MOD to provide advice to Head Teachers, when making decisions on term time absence applications from service families and explains how head teachers can seek further guidance from the MOD when dealing with specific cases. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-service-personnel-and-their-families-on-child-welfare-policies/term-time-absence-for-service-childrenService ChildrenadviceService FamiliesTerm Time Absenceeducationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/service-pupil-premium-examples-of-good-practice-guidanceWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:10:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a14b2831-6639-49da-9c0f-9e01143a833fASK INFOService Pupil Premium Examples of Good Practice Guidance 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-practiceService ChildrenschoolsSPPGood PracticeArmed Forces FamiliessupportService Pupil Premiumeducationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/service-pupil-premium-sppWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:09:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:19210890-9fe9-4115-8078-1e15faf83867ASK INFOThe 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/the-service-pupil-premium/service-pupil-premium-what-you-need-to-knowService ChildrenSPPArmed Forces FamiliessupportService Pupil Premiumeducationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/ministry-of-defence-schoolsWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:08:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:df93b719-c477-4a9f-843f-8cc8106dd511ASK INFOMinistry 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. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/education-overseas-for-service-childrenService ChildrenMOD Schoolsoverseas educationMinistry of Defence SchoolsArmed Forces Familieseducationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-family-and-people-supportWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:07:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:b5b46d57-5a1e-4e54-9e8b-8fc5077d12b3ASK INFORoyal Navy Family & People Support (RN FPS) delivers a range of services to support both service personnel and their families. These offer both proactive, reactive and crisis intervention. Information support is available, as and when required, and is useful for when relocating, deploying, looking for a specific service, or if you have a question or issue that you cannot find the answer to. Through regular research RN FPS Information Officers ensure up to date and relevant information is available to all. Information is available via the RN Website, RN Forum, and internal channels such as DEFNet and Sharepoint or directly via email. Community Support is offered in a variety of different settings including centres and houses close to Royal Navy Units, with many of the local activities being carried out in partnership with other organisations, such as Aggie’s. In response to a specific requirement, events will be organised in the appropriate geographical area. Events can also be hosted online via MS Teams to enable a greater reach out to families in dispersed areas. The Royal Navy Youth Network supports young people and feeds into the Tri-Service Youth Forum allowing individuals to share their experiences, influence policy and gain professional and peer-to-peer support. More information can be found on the Royal Navy Forum. Official engagement with our personnel and families is key to ensure they are gaining the correct information at the right time. The Royal Navy Forum provides a safe and secure area of communication for families to be informed, involved and intouch with the Royal Navy. Some areas are open access, however specific messaging and information for families is within a gated area accessed through registering as a member, especially important for messaging that should not be added to third party social media and for time when we are silent on these too. This is moderated from 0800-2200, 365 days per year. https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk Deployment Support is a key area of our work in which information, community and engagement play a part. Working closely with Units prior to deployment we carry out planning meetings which includes organising unit Forum Liaison Officers (FLOs) mandatory pre-deployment briefs to personnel and meetings with DO/TCs where certain issues can be discussed with a Case Worker. Some units now deploy with a Case Worker as part of their Ship’s company allowing for immediate specialist advice and support to both the Divisional System and individuals. Families can also take advantage of RN FPS online briefs, information packs, memory box activity packs for children and Family Welfare Grant (FWG) Days Out, all of which are available via the RN Forum. Compassionate Support Whilst the above sits more in the proactive space RN FPS are also reactive in times of need, both in engagement and specialist welfare support. There are times when individuals may require a more specialist service to support during a crisis or personal situation. Our professionally trained Case Work staff offer guidance; support either practical or emotional; and will advocate on your behalf directly or in conjunction with other agencies. Wherever you are living and/or based, the primary access point for these services is the RN FPS Portal. A comprehensive assessment of the situation will be carried out to ascertain what support is required, and this may be provided immediately, through signposting to the right sources of support or through the allocation of a RN FPS Case Worker who will stay by your side until their presence is no longer required. RN FPS Portal Telephone: 0800 145 6088 Email: navypeople-psrnfpsportal@mod.gov.uk FIND OUT MORE: Contact - Royal Navy Forum - Royal Navy Forum Information, Community & Engagement Email: navypeople-psrnfpsinfo@mod.gov.uk FIND OUT MORE: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/families-and-veterans/info-and-support-for-families or ASK INFORN FPSThe Royal Navy Youth NetworkRoyal Navy Family and People SupportfamiliesFamily SupportRNYNCommunity SupportDeployment SupportInformation SupportCompassionate Supporthttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-parents-network-rnpnWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:06:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:e2962632-15c4-4c02-9f34-a027eac447cdASK INFOThe aim of the Royal Navy Parents' Network (RNPN) is to provide Naval Service parents, both deployed and in the UK, with a support network for advice, views and information on family issues - a one-stop shop for all issues related to parenting for serving Royal Navy parents. Membership is open to all mothers and fathers serving in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Maritime Reserve and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Network also provides the opportunity to meet with other parents within the Service. Contact: Tel: 02392 723711 Email: NAVYNBCP-CoB-PSGPSITRNPN@mod.gov.uk FIND OUT MORE: Royal Navy Parents Network (Only For Parents Who Are Serving Personnel)Service ChildrenRoyal Navy Parents' NetworkService ParentsadviceService FamiliesparentingsupportRoyal Navy ParentsRNPNhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/wraparound-childcare-wacWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:05:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8a0e396a-e3b6-4750-9083-31d8ca58b413ASK 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. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/military-families-to-benefit-from-3000-of-childcare-support https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/Service ChildrenWraparound ChildcareFundingService FamiliesWACchildcarehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/tax-free-childcareWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:04:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:74a994f9-9974-4d21-909b-949057a08916ASK 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/childcareService ChildrenTax free childcareChildcare VouchersTFCService Familieschildcarehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/continuity-of-education-allowance-ceaWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:03:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:4bb2e46d-8bd1-436b-be1f-41aab78cba20ASK INFOContinuity of Education Allowance (CEA) is offered by the MOD to assist with funding a place in boarding school in order to help to provide continuity of education for a child, and to enable the spouse of a Service person to accompany them on assignments. FIND OUT MORE: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61684e30e90e07197867eb2b/20211007-DCS_CEAS_INFO_02-CEA_AND_BOARDING_SCHOOL_CONSIDERATIONS_INFORMATION_V4.pdfService ChildrenCEAContinuity of Education AllowanceBoarding SchoolBoarding SchoolsArmed Forces Familiessupporteducationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/service-parent-s-guide-to-boarding-schoolsWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:02:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:6d450050-f1b3-460c-b216-9889ad034193ASK INFOService 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 ChildrenService Parents Guide to Boarding SchoolsBoarding SchoolsArmed Forces FamiliesSpecial Educational Needs and DisabilitieseducationService Schoolshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/boarding-schoolsWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:01:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:84fc48d6-f3ad-4cef-bc82-ecb16d87ecb8ASK INFOBoarding 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.comService ChildrenschoolsBoarding SchoolService Familieshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/boarding-school-finderWed, 18 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:72ef1664-baa0-42c6-b954-cfcc6d46b09eASK INFOBoarding 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 to receive a copy. FIND OUT MORE : Email: RC-DCS-HQ-EAT@mod.gov.ukService ChildrenBoarding School FinderBoarding SchoolDefence Children ServiceBoarding SchoolsEATArmed Forces FamiliesDCSeducationEducation Advisory Teamhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/connecting-forcesWed, 18 Feb 2026 16:59:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:2f8aa99b-1384-4de4-9126-f5fa55ea0aa3ASK INFOConnecting 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-16-19Armed Forces FamiliesYoung PeopleConnecting Forceshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/schools-supporting-service-children/b/announcements/posts/armed-forces-bereavement-scholarship-scheme-afbssWed, 18 Feb 2026 16:58:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f80deb02-fbc3-4739-bd7c-d9561784a285ASK INFOArmed 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-schemeScholarshipsbereavementAFBSSeducationArmed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme