Service families

Who are Service Families? 

Service families are military families which have a member serving in the armed forces. 

Why is it important to be aware of Service Families? 

Children or young people from Service families can face unique challenges that may require additional support, including: 

1. Frequent Relocations: Service families often move around, both within the UK and overseas. This can lead to frequent school changes, which can disrupt education. 
2. Parental Deployment: Parents in the armed forces can be deployed overseas for long periods of time. This can cause upset, worry and stress for children and young people which can impact their wellbeing. A 2011 Ofsted study 'Children in Service Families' found extensive evidence of the disruption to the social and emotional wellbeing of Service children and young people. 
3. Sense of Identity and Belonging: Multiple moves and the unique lifestyle of Service families can cause children and young people to struggle with their sense of identity and belonging. 
4. Lack of Peer Understanding: Children who are the only Service child (or one of a small few) in school may struggle the most as they don't have peers who share similar experiences. 

In recognition of these challenges, the Department for Education introduced the Service Pupil Premium (SPP) in April 2011. This guidance provides more information about SPP. 

By understanding and addressing these challenges, schools can provide a supportive environment for children and young people from Service families. 

What does the law say? 

See statutory guidance that schools must follow when carrying out duties relating to school admissions. 

This guidance provides information regarding aspects of education for Service children and young people in the UK. 

In relation to the unique challenges which can impact social and emotional wellbeing: 

• Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) statutory guidance outlines the statutory duty for all schools to promote the welfare of their children and young people. This includes:  
• preventing impairment of children's health or development  
• taking action to help all children have the best outcomes  
• Schools have statutory responsibilities in relation to social, emotional and mental health needs as outlined in the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) code of practice.  

What support is available? 

National 

GOV.UK: The UK government's official website provides general support services for military and defence personnel and their families. It also has specific guidance for education. 

RAF Families Federation: This guide from The Royal British Legion supports schools and settings to improve the provision of education to Service children and young people. 

Norfolk 

Norfolk have produced a booklet to support schools across Norfolk develop their understanding of the Armed Forces Covenant, the Armed Forces Community and the Service Pupil Premium (SPP) which includes best practice examples from Norfolk schools and settings. 

Scotty's Little Soldiers is a Norfolk-based UK charity that provides support to bereaved military children and young people aged 0-25 who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Forces. 

Key contacts  

For further support and signposting, please call 0333 313 7165 to get in touch with one of our advisers. This phone line is open on weekdays, from 9am to 5pm. You can also email inclusionandsend@norfolk.gov.uk if you are unable to call.