Army&You – Autumn 2023

Autumn 2023

HORSEBACK

HEROICS An epic return to the saddle

DEALING WITH

DEPLOYMENT How schools support military children

MILES APART

Assessing the impact of postings on non-UK families

GETTING READY

TO ROLL Tips on finance and admin ahead of overseas postings

Win

ne tea A champag the for two in s Cotswold e! sid

and more in

Longdistance love

Shining a spotlight on the support available to those separated by service

PLUS: COMMUNITY | EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING | EDUCATION & CHILDCARE | FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH HEALTH | MONEY & YOU | OVERSEAS | YOUR FAMILY | YOUR HOME

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REGIONS

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Tackling time apart Separation goes hand in hand with army life, whether through deployments, training exercises or courses, whether these are planned months in advance or more last-minute.

Whatever the reason for these absences, the impact felt by those left at home is similar and can throw up many issues which disrupt the equilibrium of family life, including solo parenting, loneliness and difficulties with employment.

In this edition, we focus on the support available and in our feature Long distance love on pages 12-14, reporter Jill Misson explores how you can help yourself to have a smoother separation.

A parent’s absence can cause many different emotions for children – Dealing with deployment on page 50 looks at the initiatives available to support the youngest members of the family.

We also take a look at how you can get ahead by planning your finances before a deployment in Getting ready to go – page 42, and look at the impact of separation for non-UK families –

Separated by service, page 32.

In our Employment & Training pages, we focus on careers in education and childcare and have some tips on getting your CV into shape – pages 18-21.

We also feature the uplifting story of a military spouse who has overcome many challenges to ride on horseback across the Pyrenees, following the route of those who escaped occupied France during the Second World War – Back in the saddle, pages 44-48.

There are some inspiring tales in Dandelions, our children’s section, on pages 62-63 – if you’d like to tell us about a project involving service kids or if your youngster would like to feature in a future edition, just get in touch by emailing editor@aff.org.uk or contact us on social media.

Finally, you can win some fantastic prizes, including a champagne afternoon tea for two and a beautiful umbrella and scarf set by Remembrance artist Jacqueline Hurley, in our giveaways on page 64. Enjoy the edition! A Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 3

Contents 29

armyandyou.co.uk | facebook.com/armyandyou instagram.com/armyandyou | twitter.com/armyandyou

30

FEATURES

32

FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH Separated by service

40

HEALTH Embracing differences

COVER STORY

12

18

20 REGULARS

9

50

10

Don’t et forg to follow , us on Facebook m Instagra lots and Twitter for d an s w ne e mor features

16

60

62

64

66

Spotlight

A Word From…

AFF Policy & Research Director, Michelle Alston

Blogspot

Dandelions

For the younger members of your army family

Giveaways

COVER STORY

Win a champagne tea for two in the Cotswolds

Book Club

Youngsters tell us what they thought of Art is Everywhere

“As I sit reflecting on the journey we took, exhausted and weary, I am full of appreciation at being part of the military community.”

– Army spouse reflects on epic equine adventure

4 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

Caring for Catterick’s neurodiverse community

Back in the saddle

Spouses’ remarkable ride across the Pyrenees COVER STORY

50

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE Dealing with deployment

A look at how schools tackle the topic of absent parents

Tips on how to hone your chances of employment

OVERSEAS Home & away

29

You share your experiences of army family life

Get your CV into shape

24

Discover the latest news affecting army families Newsy snippets about army family life

Homework for those set on a career in education

How overseas deployments affect non-UK families

COVER STORY

44

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING Views from the classroom

YOUR HOME New housing timelines

We appraise the analytics of army ‘absence’

Download

Long-distance love

The support available to those separated by service

22

InfogrAFFics

AFF in Action

Nations unite in colourful Kenyan extravaganza COVER STORY

66

7

COMMUNITY Celebrating culture

A lowdown on policy changes for those on the move

A look at the realities of boarding for far-flung families

A postcard from...

A snapshot of military life in Virginia, USA

44

22

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A WORD FROM... AFF POLICY & RESEARCH DIRECTOR, MICHELLE ALSTON

FAMILY SUPPORT IS VITAL

T

IME apart is something that all army families experience – it comes in many different forms, from operational tours, training exercises and career courses to weekly commutes and dual serving families being deployed in different locations.

With the army’s current focus on readiness, periods of separation may be something that is more common than usual for readers. I recently wrote an article in The British Army Review which outlined the importance of families in contributing towards operational effectiveness and the impact on them of time spent apart during deployment.

Whilst there is formal welfare support available, we know that a significant responsibility is placed on spouses, partners and children to look after themselves and each other, in the absence of the deployed person.

This occurs within families but also across the broader military community, through the informal network in which military families look after each other, making a tangible but un-resourced, and sometimes unrecognised, contribution to military effectiveness.

“AFF called for the army to ensure that families have access to the support they need, as and when they choose to access it.”

AFF called for the army to ensure that families have access to the support they need, as and when they choose to access it. Some of the support on offer is outlined in this edition but we will continue to raise the point that the needs of families can vary, depending on their structure, location and unique pressures.

At AFF, we understand that

separation has an impact on the family – including additional parenting and relationship pressures, social isolation and loneliness, as well as the effect on the partner’s employment.

All issues I have experienced first-hand!

As I leave AFF after 10 years, I’ve seen the pressures change both personally and professionally from lenghty tours of Iraq and Afghanistan to the new longer overseas training exercises and readiness preparations. But regardless of the reasons, the tempo remains the same and the importance of recognising the contribution of army families and the need to support them is as key as ever. A Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 7

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INFOGRAFFICS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH

62%

of enquiries about the ‘Minimum Income Requirement’ rules were from regular service personnel seeking advice on when they can have their family join them in the UK.

Army Families Federation statistics

GET IN TOUCH

27%

If time apart is having an impact on your army life, get in touch with any questions or issues at contact@aff.org.uk

of enquiries were asking about applying for visas for family members to visit the UK.

Army life time apart We appraise the analytics of ‘absence’

YOU TOLD US...

“Having bought our own home, we are now struggling with the impact of the long commute on our family’s mental health.

Who can I speak to for help?”

“Our child is not coping with their current boarding school and we are worried about them remaining eligible for Continuity of Education Allowance. What would your advice be?”

Some of the key concerns you had whilst your service person was away between April and June were: l Getting support when applying for Service Family Accommodation l Spouse/partner illness with no support for children l Children needing support to deal with mental health concerns

“My seven-year-old is struggling with sadness whilst her father is away on tour. She is too young for the local counselling service so where can I go to get her one-to-one support?”

“We have chosen to serve married unaccompanied but until we physically move into our new home we are not able to confirm which school our daughter will be placed in.

This is causing her anxiety”

TRENDING TOPICS...

33%

of enquires about deployments were from spouses/partners.

You asked for advice on: l Support at school to help children cope with a deployed parent l Requesting unpaid leave from an employer to allow time together before deploying l Approaching an employer for a flexible working arrangement whilst spouse/partner is deployed

“My husband was posted to Cyprus for two years and we did not accompany him, we are not able to see him often as we can’t afford the flights. Is there any support available to us?”

9 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 9

AFF IN ACTION #AFFteamwork

BANK CARD CLARITY

#AFFevidence

SERVICE REVIEW

The independent Haythornthwaite Review of the offer for service personnel, which examines ways to attract and retain the next generation to the armed forces, has been published.

It outlines 67 recommendations, including prioritising investment in accommodation, improving the food offer and reviewing the number, scope and scale of military allowances.

AFF provided evidence to the review and Chief Executive Collette Musgrave said: “We welcomed the opportunity to discuss those elements of the current offer that families have told us they value, such as access to Service

Family Accommodation. We are pleased to see that the impact on family life of serving in the armed forces was recognised, as well as the importance of clear information to allow soldiers and families to make informed decisions. These are issues we regularly raise with the army and MOD.”

#Goodtoknow

FFJ IN SPOTLIGHT

Employment and training platform Forces Families Jobs is featured as a case study in the recent British Chambers of Commerce and The Open University’s Business Barometer.

The annual report is an analysis of the UK landscape on topics related to skills, employment and training, drawing on survey data from different sized

AFF worked with British Forces Post Office (BFPO) to clarify the wording in its recently issued customer guide.

The publication stated that financial documents must not be sent via BFPO. It wasn’t clear what type of documents this included, and could have resulted in bank statements and cards being returned to the sender.

Our questioning resulted in the guide being reworded to give greater clarity. The new wording states “you must not send… financial documents that could have a consequential loss if delayed or lost in the post (does not include bank statements and bank cards)”.

organisations from all business sectors across the UK. Read the report at open.ac.uk/business/ barometer-2023

#AFFteamwork

PASSPORT PANIC

A wife whose soldier was deployed asked AFF for help when her passport renewal had taken weeks to be completed and she had been told the application had been withdrawn. In addition, some of her original ID documents had been lost and this was causing stress as the couple were due to go on leave following his deployment.

AFF’s overseas team was able to track a resubmission via His Majesty’s Passport Office Armed Forces team and ask for the application to be fast-tracked. On learning that her passport had been processed in just a couple of days, she said: “This is amazing news. Thank you for your help, it’s much appreciated.”

AFF advises families overseas to submit new and renewal applications via unit HR staff only to avoid errors and obtain the correct supporting documents.

Information on the correct process can be found by scanning the QR code.

10 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

#AFFconnections

VIRTUAL SUPPORT

Our overseas team joined the Health and Wellbeing Fayre in Sennelager, Germany via a live link. They chatted to families virtually about additional needs, spousal employment, transfer of schools when moving back to the UK and many other issues.

The team also spoke to other agencies about education, housing, family life and supporting families as they move to Sennelager.

If you’re posted overseas, about to go or returning to the UK and need support, get in touch with our overseas team overseassupport@aff.org.uk

#GoodToKnow

NEW INFO FOR COURTS

AFF received feedback from some families about their difficulties when going through the Family Court system, due to misunderstandings about the nature of Service life.

We approached the Ministry of Defence and offered to work with them on this issue. They have now produced an information sheet for Family Court workers, which aims to increase understanding about the working and living

arrangements of Service personnel, and how their families are affected.

Michelle Alston, AFF’s Policy & Research Director, said: “We were concerned that there may be a misconception about serving in the Army and the impact of how often a service parent is away.

“We hope this information sheet will ensure that the circumstances and roles of individual Service personnel are considered when judgements are made.”

#AFFoutandabout

INDIAN CONNECTION

Employment & Training Specialist, Lucy Ritchie, met the President of the Indian Army Wives Welfare Association, Mrs Pande, at the headquarters of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity during her recent visit to the UK. Mrs Pande has a particular interest in welfare and service families, and was keen to hear about how AFF and ABF support serving families and veterans.

Lucy and Mrs Pande discussed AFF’s role, the employment and training support we offer spouses and partners and the similarities and differences experienced in supporting army families here and in India.

#GoodToKnow

STUDENT SOLUTION

#AFFoutandabout

ON THE ROAD

In the summer, the Ask AFF Roadshow visited Northern Ireland, where our specialists helped serving personnel and families in Lisburn and Aldergrove.

They answered queries on immigration, discussed training and employment opportunities on Forces Families Jobs and explained the military allowances and benefits available.

One soldier said: “The information that I got today has really helped me. I would say to others, don’t sit worrying about things, you can get confidential advice and a clear answer really quickly.”

If you didn’t catch up with the team during their visit, look out for units promoting online evening events in the coming months.

#AFFinvestigates

NO BOUNCING BACK

AFF teamed up with research organisation RAND Europe and the Forces in Mind Trust to understand how military life affects family finances.

Current and former service personnel and their spouses and partners were asked whether military life impacts on their ability to easily bounce back from financial set-backs.

The research found that many service families

AFF has clarified with UCAS how students should complete their university application if they were born outside the UK during an overseas posting.

UCAS has advised that you should state your actual place/ country of birth but also select that you are a UK citizen. It also recommends that you use a UK postal address (or BFPO address) wherever possible, as this will ensure that you see the ‘more about you’ section of the application where UCAS asks about individual circumstances, including being from a UK armed forces family.

If a university categorises you as an international student, speak to them directly to explain your situation.

For more information on applying to university as a member of an armed forces family, see aff.org.uk

reported having a limited ability to recover from financial shocks.

It also found that lack of opportunity for partner employment is seen as the greatest barrier to financial stability.

AFF Chief Executive, Collette Musgrave, said: “Partner employment is a key issue for our families, especially those moving overseas, and we look forward to working with the MOD and the charity sector to address the barriers identified.”

Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 11

Long-distance love What support is available to those separated by deployment and training?

And how can those at home, help themselves? Jill Misson reports…

W

ITH the focus on readiness, many personnel are away training and for families the line between an operational tour and an exercise lasting several months can feel invisible.

AFF Policy & Research Director, Michelle Alston, says: “Whilst being in dangerous situations can heighten the challenges, the realities of families being separated run wider – whether practical, such as resulting in solo parenting or caring; financial, as it may impact the spouse’s ability to work; or wellbeing, with potential isolation. It is therefore key that families have the support they need, as and when they choose to access it.”

Going solo

“Our younger children have started to find it increasingly difficult. We try to video call and send pictures as much as we can but ultimately, they get sad.”

Jolene Cox and children 12 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

Spouse Lois Taylor says: “You get into a routine with a long deployment but there’s no respite. It’s tiring because you’re managing everything solo. Shorter separations can be easier for the children to cope with, but you have to try to manage the disruption if they have daddy home for the weekend before he’s off again come Monday morning.”

Unit Welfare Officer for 3 SCOTS, Captain Richard Grisdale, recognises the impact on family cohesion. “Absences cause a lot of uncertainty and confusion, so welfare teams do what they can to support families emotionally and practically,” he says.

Emotional time

Above: Chris Graham, Right: Charlotte, Harriet and Lizzie Graham

Activities and events are organised to maintain morale. Richard says: “In the past, we’ve received deployment funds for trips to amusement parks, safari parks and beaches. This money has proven invaluable in dampening the blow families face while loved ones are deployed. We are very mindful that not all units have this wonderful opportunity.”

Spouse Sarah Peñaluna is grateful to her garrison welfare team. She says: “They provide us with a comprehensive and emphatic level of understanding about the deployment and assure us we are not alone and that they are there for us. They provide contact information and encourage us to use it.

They are always available and encourage us to go to events.”

Feeling of isolation Partners who live off patch in their own homes can feel more isolated. Mariya says: “I sometimes think his unit doesn’t know I exist. If he is

away and something happens at home, there’s no way for me to reach him directly and I wouldn’t know where to go.

“I know some welfare teams rely on the serving person to pass anything on, but things can get missed. It would be useful to have an information sheet with contact numbers or even advice on where to find the welfare office and an email newsletter would be nice with details of upcoming events.”

Room for improvement Major Chris Graham is an army reservist who recently returned from six months in Kenya. He

says: “The deployment went well, although I did have to push my unit to reach out to my partner. It’s important that reservists engage with their welfare team to make sure that their families are supported.”

Although Chris looked forward to daily video chats with his partner, the internet connection in Africa wasn’t always reliable.

However, they did enjoy writing to each other even though the post was slow. He says: “In a world full of electronic, instant communication, getting a hand-written letter is a real treat. Deployed soldiers should consider taking the time to write home.”

Children experience a range of emotions when they are separated from a parent.

Using a separation pack from Little Troopers, which includes chuff charts, postcards and diaries, helped Lois during her husband’s last deployment.

She says: “Being able to cross off each day and write down what we’d been up to really helped the girls navigate the timescales. They also got special dolls a few days before he left, and he recorded lots of bedtime stories.”

Liz MacKenzie is the MOD liaison at a primary school in Bristol. She says: “The child’s teacher and I put a plan in place to support the pupil for the upcoming change in their life and I liaise with the non-serving parent to let them know that I will be checking in on their child and that they can get in touch anytime with any concerns.”

Children can talk about how the absence is making them feel during one-to-one sessions when they play a game or do a creative activity like drawing or sculpting with clay.

Decorated care boxes filled with artwork, schoolwork and photos are sent to deployed parents.

In recent sessions, Molly who is eight, said: “Sometimes I feel a little sad because I don’t like it when he’s gone. I feel uncomfortable because I don’t like changes.”

Lois Taylor and children

“You get into a routine with a long deployment but there’s no respite.

It’s tiring because you’re managing everything solo.”

Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 13

Jon says that nursery staff have been very supportive: “They helped me to understand how he may be feeling and acting because of the separation.”

Mariya

Jon Quinn and family

Teddy, seven, said: “Life isn’t the same when he’s not at home. I can’t wait for him to come back so life can go back to how it should be.”

Getting support Veteran Jon Quinn’s wife is serving so he looks after their young son while she is away.

Jon says that nursery staff have been very supportive: “They helped me to understand how he may be feeling and acting because of the separation and taught the whole class about where his mummy was and why he was sometimes sad when getting dropped off.”

Jon used indulgence flights to travel to Cyprus mid-way through a tour. He says: “This massively improved our family’s morale and I know mummy was so pleased to see her loved ones over Christmas.”

In his experience as a soldier and now a spouse, Jon has found that support from welfare teams varies as each unit manages communications with families in different ways instead of adopting a standardised approach. He says: “There is definitely room for improvement because it’s very unpredictable to know what you’re going to get with each move and more so for individuals who are not affiliated with the cap badge they are being posted into.”

Jolene Cox and her husband are both serving. She says: “Our younger children have started to find it increasingly

difficult. We try to video call and send pictures as much as we can but ultimately, they get sad.

“All we can do is give them an abundance of love and make up for lost time when we are all together again.”

Major Lisa Brown from the Service Couples Network says: “New policies have come out that acknowledge and support dual-serving couples from a career management and deployment perspective, but it’s sometimes easy for the army to forget that the assignment of one half of a dual-serving couple has a direct impact on the other half.”

Teaming up Managing your own career can be a juggle when your soldier is often away from home. Sarah Peñaluna works as an advisor for The Forces Employment Charity, having been helped by its Families Programme.

She says: “Remember that you don’t have to complete this journey alone. Before, during and after the deployment period, there is a career champion available to you which can make the whole process so much easier and more enjoyable. It was a game changer when I first moved to the UK and was faced with my first deployment.”

Sarah recognises the support she has had from other spouses and partners.

She says: “I find there to be exceptionally positive camaraderie. We are on the

14 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

“I sometimes think his unit doesn’t know I exist. If he is away and something happens at home, there’s no way for me to reach him directly and I wouldn’t know where to go” same page straight away, sharing the same journey and naturally want to support each other, as we often don’t have our families close by to lean on. Without them, I would find things incredibly hard and lonely.”

Lois agrees that having a support network on the patch really helped her: “They keep you going with coffee, entertain the kids, pick up shopping, do a night-time dash for Calpol and keep you sane. Ask for help because we’ve all been there and we are there to support each other through it.” A

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DOWNLOAD NEWSY SNIPPETS ABOUT ARMY FAMILY LIFE

FUNDING LANDSCAPE

DREAM BIG

Research by the Directory of Social Change (DSC) reveals that funders spend at least £8.6 million a year on the needs of children with parents in the armed forces, in areas like education, mental health and wellbeing, and crisis support.

DSC, in association with the Service Children’s Progression Alliance, identified 69 organisations that provided funds to support armed forces children and young people in the UK. They spend at least £3.1 million annually to support 8,600 individuals and at least £5.5 million to support 600 organisations.

The research, funded by FiMT, also found that only a small minority of funders (10 per cent) have a central focus on supporting armed forces children and young people.

The report, Funding for Armed Forces Children and Young People, can be accessed at dsc.org.uk/research

Founder of Milspo Business Network, Jess Sands, guides military partners through the journey of building a successful business in Building Business Beyond the Magnolia Box. Packed with tips, the book provides advice to help military partners grow the businesses they’ve always dreamed of.

Since 2009, Jess has been navigating military life alongside her serving husband and has successfully built two businesses of her own.

The book, available on Amazon, takes an interactive approach, incorporating business-focused exercises that encourage readers to sketch, scribble, annotate and explore. Also included are segments of interviews with business professionals, providing insights and inspiration.

PHOTO FAVES Just look at this adorable pic of Wilson the puppy and his soldier dad Carlos! He was the first of nine little Golden Retrievers to be born to mum Bella.

Human mum Mollie says: “We fell in love with this gorgeously grumpy boy from the moment he arrived and we just had to keep him!” @marlosdiaries

A big salute to Year 6 children from Le Cateau School in Catterick who celebrated Armed Forces Day in style at Ypres Lines.

The youngsters tested their skills on the assault course, climbed vehicles, tested out a Nepalese menu for lunch and saw a flyover from the iconic Tiger Moth.

16 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

Congratulations to Capt Jiwan Prasad Gurung (The Royal Gurkha Rifles) and Capt Narendradhoj Gurung (Queen’s Gurkha Engineers) who received their Member of the Royal Victorian Order medals – a British order of knighthood – from King Charles III and celebrated with their families at Windsor Castle. gurkhabde.com

Send your pic to editor@aff.org.uk or PM on social media @armyandyou

PAY RISE FAQS The recent five per cent increase in salary for serving personnel means that those with non-UK families will meet the minimum income requirement to bring a spouse and a child to the UK (£22,400) once they join their unit and have six months of payslips at the new level, instead of having to wait for another two to three years.

In some cases, if you have already served for a year, you may not have to wait.

See aff.org.uk for answers to some of the questions you’ve been asking us about this.

You can also get in touch with our Foreign & Commonwealth team at fcsupport@aff.org.uk

PENSIONS GO UNCLAIMED The Forces Pension Society is encouraging those who served for at least two years since April 1975 who are now aged 60 or over, and who left without entitlement to benefits, to check if they’re eligible for an armed forces pension.

Between June 2020 and May 2022 more than 4,000 preserved armed forces pensions went unclaimed.

The Armed Forces Pension Scheme Annual Report identified 16,518 unclaimed benefits in July 2022, with some veterans having more than one entitlement.

The pension is not paid automatically – apply at veteransgateway.org.uk using AFPS form 8 or call 0800 085 3600 for more information.

Ffion and Arwyn helped to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, by dressing up in military uniform at school. Here they are pictured with dad a few days before he deployed – thank you to mum Laura for sharing the pic.

How handsome does Irish Guards mascot Séamus look in his regimentals? Three-year-old Séamus, the unit’s 17th mascot whose official name is Turlough Mor, is a playful pooch and loves nothing more than to join in a battalion boot run or chase a ball around.

Turlough Mor (pronounced turlock more) was King of Connaught from 1106 to 1156 and High King of Ireland from 1136 to 1156. He’s considered the greatest of the O’Conors, descended from Brian Boru and is an ancestor of Capt O’Conor, who is currently serving @irishguards

UNIVERSITY INFO The Open University has created a website – open.ac.uk/forces – to provide advice, support and free resources for armed forces personnel.

It covers Standard and Enhanced Learning Credits, an explanation of how credit transfer works and includes a section on OpenLearn’s free learning resources.

It also provides information on the ways The Open University works with the armed forces.

CLAIMING CHILDCARE If you’re thinking about claiming Wraparound Childcare (WAC) for the first time, you’ll need to open a Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) account for each child you want to claim for.

TFC accounts can be opened by either parent, whether they are serving or not.

It’s a good idea to open the account in advance as WAC can’t be claimed until the TFC account has been activated.

The scheme is for service children aged 4-11, either attending school or being home educated.

You can claim up to 20 hours a week of funding for before and afterschool care for each child during term time.

This can be used with any Ofsted approved (or equivalent) childcare setting. The childcare provider must be able to accept payments from TFC accounts.

Eligibility criteria for the scheme have also been expanded to include: ● all eligible full-time reserve service personnel (all commitment types); ● all eligible personnel serving overseas, whose family remain in the UK (including if you’re voluntarily separated) and are using a UK childcare provider.

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EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

SECTOR IN FOCUS

education and childcare

Ever thought about a career in education and childcare? Roles often come with term-time working and settings across the country to choose from. But what is the reality? AFF Employment & Training Specialist, Lucy Ritchie, explores…

WHAT ARE THE PLUS POINTS? Rewarding – you have the opportunity to really make a difference to the lives of young people and help them to fulfil their potential. We all remember an amazing teacher who made an impact on us. ● Consistent schedule with regular working hours and extended time off during the holidays for many roles. ● Plenty of daily excitement and variety – no two children are alike. ● Education is a necessary part of everyone’s life and there should always be job opportunities wherever the army takes you. ● Educators need to be adaptable, resilient and organised – all skills you probably have already as an army spouse. ●

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS? The pay can be low, particularly if you’re newly qualified. ● Behaviour and classroom management can take up a large amount of your time and energy. ● Qualification requirements can vary across devolved regions and overseas. ● Workload – lesson planning, report writing, marking – you will probably be taking your work home and working outside hours. ● Career progression may be stilted if you can’t stay at one setting for long. ●

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EMPLOYER VIEWPOINT Childbase Partnership welcomes veterans and non-serving partners. Kate Kate Bate Bate, who joined the company in 2016 after a career in army aviation, is now a fully qualified Early Years educator in Cambridge.

With limited experience of childcare, Kate was unsure her skills were transferrable, but the employee-owned company – which has 44 day nurseries in England – recognised her potential and put in place a tailored plan to get her the qualifications she needed.

“No two days are the same. I can be a builder, storyteller, princess or Spiderman but I’m always a teacher helping children realise their full potential. Childbase has supported my career progression with lots of additional courses to enhance my practice and develop my knowledge,” says Kate.

Through its Academy of Excellence, there are courses to suit all needs and ambitions. Go to childbasecareers.com

ROUTES BACK TO SCHOOL There are some great forces-friendly training providers who can help you take the first steps into the classroom. We spoke to a few to find out what they can offer…

Royal Artillery Centre for Personal Development (RACPD) The RACPD has been offering nationally recognised qualifications to the defence community for 25 years, including family members.

Its Supporting in Schools courses have proven to be a great way to gain a qualification and ease back into the workforce. Since the pandemic, the move to online teaching has meant that RACPD’s courses can be accessed more widely.

For Sandra Rossiter, in Sennelager, it’s been of huge benefit. She found it difficult to find employment locally but now with a Sandra Rossiter teaching assistant qualification, Sandra can apply for roles wherever they’re posted and has the confidence to step back into work.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Level II and Level III Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning,” says Sandra. “Both courses were highly informative and gave me the foundation to work in education as a support worker. The enrolment was straightforward, and the tutor was wellorganised, professional, friendly and above all, patient and understanding.

More at racpd.org.uk/all-courses

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

VIEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM We spoke to spouses working in education and childcare to hear about their experiences…

Essential Teaching UK (ETUK) If you’re dreaming of a rewarding career as a teacher, Essential Teaching UK’s renowned Teach UK (Forces into Teaching) programme supports both armed forces personnel and spouses to get into the sector.

Andy McCran took advantage of the scheme before retiring from the military: “I wanted to do something I would find rewarding and challenging.

Teaching offered both, but gaining the qualifications was going to be the problem. Essential Teaching UK’s course mixed on the job training and school placements in order to gain a teaching diploma and professional status as a Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills.

Andy McCran

“Packaged around an Enhanced Learning Credit and resettlement grant, the course is flexible enough to fit into busy service life.

The support and guidance was fantastic.

ETUK provides an excellent route for military personnel to switch to a career in teaching or training post-service life.”

Aspiring teachers can join its part-time live virtual classroom experience. Log on at essentialteaching.uk to find out more.

Get into Teaching Check out the Government’s Get into Teaching website, which offers free advice and support to anyone who’s thinking about a career in teaching in either primary or secondary schools in England getintoteaching.education.gov.uk Don’t forget, it isn’t just about being an educator – there are plenty of opportunities in administration, HR, finance and catering, so it could be a great option, whatever your skillset. Keep an eye on your local authority website for any job opportunities across the sector. A

Katie Jones – teaching assistant, Wiltshire

I originally went into a teaching assistant position with no previous school experience, however I was taken on due to my passion.

Since then, I’ve been completing my Higher Level Teaching Assistant Level 4 which opens up more doors if we relocate.

It’s a really rewarding job and every day is different. The school has a large percentage of military children, meaning a high turnover of students, so we need to support the children whilst their loved ones may be working away, whether that is just having someone to listen to or helping them to make cards to send.

It fits in well around military life, especially if you have children. The hours allow me to take them to school and nursery. It means less stress having to find childcare, especially as military leave tends to be over Easter, summer and Christmas, so you can have time off together as a family.

Sara Patrickson – teaching assistant in a SEND school, Yorkshire

I absolutely love working as a teaching assistant in a special needs school. It’s a rewarding job and has such a positive impact on our students’ lives. I work with a range of children with unique needs – seeing them achieve learning and life skills is amazing.

As my children are still school-age, I have the flexibility to be off in half-terms and holidays, so it fits around the whole family. The only downside is pay – it doesn’t always balance out given some of the emotional and physical day to day tasks we deal with. Moving schools every couple of years can sometimes impact working your way up in a school and you have to rebuild relationships and gain confidence in a new environment.

My husband Frazer and I were both serving Tracy Shaw – musicians and with the music teacher, news of our second child Hampshire life was about to become a lot harder to manage than it already was.

I’d heard about the Troops to Teachers scheme. The two-year programme was a salaried position within a school, working alongside teaching staff whilst gaining degree status. There was a rigorous selection process and by the time everything had slotted into place my second daughter was nearly one. I was very lucky to be offered a place at a local school. The hours were long and the training intense, but it was worth it. I used my teaching degree to become a music teacher working for Hampshire Music Services. No day is the same and I love being able to travel around teaching many different instruments to hundreds of pupils each week.

Term-time teaching means that I’m always around to care for my two girls when Frazer is away or working irregular hours, which is often. I even find the time to keep up my own musical and military skills as I’m a reservist in the Army Medical Services Band.

Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 19

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

get your CV into shape In the first of our new ‘How to’ series, we asked Sarah Peñaluna, Families Employment Advisor at Forces Employment Charity, for some CV tips…

I’ve not updated my CV in ages, how do I get started?

Firstly, don’t panic! Research the types of jobs you’re interested in, then match your experiences to align with them.

For the first section of your CV, create a short professional profile of who you are, that reflects your current career objective.

Sarah Peñaluna

Next, take the main facts of your previous employment like title, organisation, dates and put them under the work experience section. List between GET IN three to five points to describe TOUCH the responsibilities of each role, For more information visit adding a couple of sentences forcesemployment. to give an overview of your org.uk accountabilities.

Remember, this is a working document that you will update on a regular basis.

How do I make my CV stand out?

First impressions are key, so start strong.

Use the top half of the first page for an attention-grabbing summary of your key skills and achievements. Highlight the most important areas of your expertise and make it specific to the role you’re applying for.

Be sure to mention your experience in the industry and emphasise your results using quantifiable data.

I’ve got gaps in my employment history, how do I explain these or is it best to hide this on my CV? Generally, anything over three months

20 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

should be explained. Remember to focus on the positive aspects – the skills you gained and what you have learned from the experience, even if it was a difficult situation. This says a lot about your attitude and personality.

I don’t have any specific job experience in the role I’m applying for, but I have all the skills, how do I sell myself in my application?

Focus on your transferable skills. For instance, mention any volunteering or unpaid roles, your education and qualifications, and any professional development.

Life experiences count too. Military spouses and partners may be a stayat-home parent for a period of time, so emphasise skills such as management and organisation of the household, and multitasking.

You may have moved around or experienced long periods of separation, so include attributes like adaptability and resilience.

I’ve heard employers use mapping to sift out applicants, what does this mean?

Mapping involves going through the job description and person specification and ensuring you are using the same language in your application. Don’t just copy and paste though! You can embed key words and phrases into the examples you provide. This is key because there is often an applicant tracking system that recruiters and hiring managers use to shortlist which searches out these terms. A

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING

COVENANT COMMITMENTS

Employers sign the Armed Forces Covenant to demonstrate their support for the military community. However, unlike education and housing, there is no duty attached, so it’s down to organisations to interpret how they ensure that military families are treated fairly and not disadvantaged.

Scheme encourages employers to support the service community and inspire others to do the same. There are bronze, silver and gold awards for those who actively demonstrate or advocate support and align their values to the Armed Forces Covenant.

The level of support can often depend on the size of the organisation but may include guaranteed interview schemes, or briefing days to increase awareness of opportunities in their sector. Some commit to finding you alternative employment within the company (if roles exist) when you’re posted and you may find companies that offer flexibility in granting leave, especially around times of deployment. AFF is also seeing employers create armed forces networking groups to bring together employees with a military connection.

The Defence Employer Recognition

Gold award holder Compass Group UK has an armed forces spouse policy in place to recognise the important roles spouses play in supporting their serving partners. The company commits to providing an additional day of paid leave to support deployments; will endeavour to redeploy spouses to an alternative role within the UK on posting; and celebrates with an annual military spouses’ day.

RECOGNITION

Sarah Tott has been with the company for six years: “When I heard about the new spouses policy I thought it was

www.monktoncombeschool.com @MonktonBath

absolutely amazing. I have already benefitted from the company’s support in redeploying spouses to Sarah Tott alternative roles on notification of posting, so it’s great this is now being formalised across the business. There is a strong forces community in Compass and it’s great to have people to lean on.”

It’s easy for your employer to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant – there’s more info at gov.uk – it’s often simply a case of someone (like you) suggesting it to them.

All of the employers at forcesfamilies jobs.co.uk are signatories too, so take a look! A

“The boarding community at Monkton just ticks every box; a strong military community with all the breadth it brings alongside a number of international pupils and local flexi boarders, plus a strong, fun calendar of activities.”

Current parent

Open Mornings Senior School, ages 13-18: Saturday 7th October, 10am-12pm Prep School, ages 2-13: Saturday 14th October, 9.30am-11.30am

Our boarding ethos and pastoral care creates a place where pupils develop in confidence and in character

Thinks Differently Blueprint your future...

An independent boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 2-18 years near Bath

Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 21

New housing timelines YOUR HOME

If you’re expecting an assignment order soon, a recent change to policy means that the timelines for applying for housing have changed. Housing Specialist Cat Calder explains more…

Currently, you need to let your housing provider (Pinnacle if you’re in the UK) know that you have had a new assignment order within 14 days of receiving it; you can apply for housing at any time but the request won’t be looked at until four months beforehand.

The recent change means that for any assignment order received after 1 October 2023, you must apply a minimum of two months before the date you need the property to allow enough time for allocations to be made (including the issue of a NonAvailability Certificate and sourcing of a hiring), your new home to be brought up to standard and move-in appointments made.

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If you apply with less notice than this, every effort will be made to allocate you suitable accommodation but it can’t be guaranteed that this will be in time for your preferred date.

If no accommodation can be arranged in time, as the request was made with less than two months’ notice, the MOD will not be responsible for funding temporary family accommodation and the serving person may be expected to move into Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for the short term at their own expense.

Of course, there will always be shortnotice postings which mean you can’t submit a housing application two months beforehand and these will be taken into consideration.

If you do receive a short-notice posting you must apply for housing immediately using the e1132 and state the date of the short-notice assignment as the reason for the late application.

Once you have submitted your e1132, Pinnacle has 15 working days to process your application. A

GET IN TOUCH

For more informa look at o tion, ur hous ing pag at aff.or es g.uk or contact our hou s housing ing team support@ aff. org.uk

YOUR HOME

DUAL SERVING CHANGES Are you a dual serving couple and married or in a civil partnership? Two welcome changes have recently been made to accommodation policy that might affect you.

1. No need to move because of rank difference When partners are based in the same location, but the licensee is posted away before their partner, it is acceptable for the couple to swap their PStat Cats to keep their quarter in that location. ● In some recent cases, where there has been a difference in SFA/SSFA entitlement due to rank, the couple have been advised they will need to move properties at the current location. ● The accommodation policy team has recently written to say that it supports the continued occupation of the SFA/SSFA (with the Where both spouses or civil exception of tied partners are serving, either at the accommodation) same or different duty stations, and that there is no the main accommodation licence holder has a personal status expectation that a category of PStat Cat 1s and the family must move in other is designated PStat Cat 5s. these circumstances. ●

2. Applying for SFA between two duty stations If your duty stations are within 100 miles of each other and it would be too far for the non-licence holder (PStat Cat 5s) to commute from the SFA at their partner’s duty station, the licence holder (PStat Cat 1s) is now entitled to apply for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) at the midway point between the two duty stations. ● This means that if SFA isn’t available at the midway point, then Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) will now be an option but will only be sourced at the midway location. ●

For more information specific to your particular circumstances, speak to your unit admin team. A

Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 23

OVERSEAS

Home&Away

Choosing a boarding school for your children is an important decision wherever you’re based. Whilst many of AFF’s enquiries relate to allowances, there are other costs and benefits that you ought to consider to help make it a successful journey for all involved, especially if you’re posted abroad.

THE THOMPSON FAMILY Currently half-way through their twoyear posting to Kenya, the Thompsons have two children, Harrison – aged 14 – and Grace, 12, who are boarding in the UK, whilst their youngest Elijah, ten, attends a local school.

Esther Thomas, AFF Overseas Manager, chatted to a couple of families about their experiences… such as sports matches and plays is almost impossible. As much as technology can help, we do feel detached and slightly out of the loop.”

Whilst the two eldest have been boarding for several years, mum Sharon has noticed the difference being overseas has made, as she is no longer able to see them over the six exeat weekends. Instead, they have to rely on a very good friend to support the children.

As parents they are reassured that both children are enjoying boarding life and have no concerns with the care and support from the school. Sharon’s advice to others is: “Keep in regular contact with tutors and teachers. No question is too small and communication is the key. Set up regular times for your children to be in touch each week.

Sharon explains: “The distance means we often feel disconnected. Attending parentteacher meetings and other school events

“We often assumed the children were trouble-free because they weren’t phoning as often. Then we would hear that

24 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2023

“The distance means we often feel disconnected.

As much as technology can help, we do feel detached and slightly out of the loop.” something negative had happened that could have easily been sorted if they had shared the matter with us sooner.”

On a more positive note, Sharon adds: “The children love flying using the unaccompanied minor service and it has given them a taste of the world beyond our shores.”

OVERSEAS

FUNDING FACTS

If you have a child at boarding school in the UK, then you may be able to claim School Children’s Visits (SCVs). These are available in both the UK and overseas to help with separation and reunite children with their parents at their duty station during some school holidays.

If you’re posted overseas you can get six return or 12 single visits per year, in the UK (including Northern Ireland) it’s three return or six single visits a year for children under 18. Once your child is at university, you can get three return trips a year if you’re overseas. There is also extra support if a child with SEND has to stay in education and may support them until they are 25.

Lindsay and Nathan are a year into their posting to SHAPE, Belgium and have three children at different stages of their boarding life. Sam, 18, who has just finished sixth form, Lucy, 16, and Jamie, 12.

This is the family’s first overseas posting and Lindsay reported that the older two were not worried about their parents being overseas, although having finished his A-levels, Sam has felt very disadvantaged when looking for work in the UK as he has no home base.

Lindsay feels that the eldest two haven’t been able to enjoy Belgium: “As parents we haven’t been able to give them the full support because of distance (emotional and educational). During the two school holidays here they have had to revise for exams, so have had little opportunity to meet others. Additionally, we don’t live on a patch so we are not local to other British children – this has been a huge issue and it has proven difficult for them to break into friendship groups when home.”

Lindsay also admitted that their youngest, Jamie, took at least eight months to settle.

She explains: “You don’t know how kids will be affected until it happens. Our youngest son struggled with us being ‘far away’ which made it emotionally hard for myself and Nathan as we just wanted to be there for him.”

THE WEBBER FAMILY Her advice to others is to stay connected via FaceTime or WhatsApp. “Ask siblings to check in on each other; share lots of photos of things they can do when they are home; get them to talk to other overseas boarders as shared experiences may help.”

The family have taken a hefty financial hit too, with the costs of travelling back to the UK for exeats and half terms not insignificant. “We often find ourselves doing additional unfunded trips to support our children where we can to attend events like sports and speech days.” In one month they did three trips back to the UK but were only able to claim for one.

You do need to pay a parental contribution towards each SCV trip, and it’s also important to plan financially for any trips outside of the ones you can claim, no matter where you’re posted. There may be exeat weekends or important events that you wish to attend which are not covered by the SCV allowance.

You can find more details on SCVs in Chapter 10, Section 2 of JSP 752 or speak with your unit HR team for more advice on your GET IN eligibility and TOUCH parental AFF would love to contribution. hear your feedback on SCVs – contact moneysupport@aff. org.uk to have your say.

The Webbers do say that they love the expat lifestyle and sense of community in Belgium, with lots of social activities, both British and multinational. “For the kids it’s a great experience when they come over,” they explain. “A stepping stone to other European countries and simply something different for them to talk about with their friends.” A Army&You Summer 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 25

OVERSEAS

In touch How best to maintain contact and manage life’s hurdles between the generations, especially with elderly relatives, is an ongoing challenge for some of you who are posted overseas. The good news is there are some services in place to support the wider army family.

Here, our overseas team has some top tips…

COMMUNICATION Despite technological advances, there are additional factors to consider to maintain communication when apart such as:

● ●

time zone differences; operational and security restrictions; ● locations with poor or costly WiFi. ●

Forces Free Air Letters or ‘Blueys’.

Enduring Families Free Mail Service (operational free mail up to 2kg).

●

The British Forces Post Office (BFPO) system remains a vital communication and welfare link for both serving personnel deployed and families around the globe.

Family members who prefer to write traditional letters or send parcels can use: Left: Sam Webber with grandma Below: Lucy Webber and her grandma

It’s important that they know how to comply with current BFPO regulations and label requirements.

AFF TOP TIPS: ●

Provide pre-printed address labels compliant with the standard BFPO address and return labels, including full name and postcode using block capitals. This will make them readable by the BFPO automated sorting systems and reduce the risk of items being delayed or returned to the sender.

Provide family members with CN22 labels for small packages. ● Further BFPO guidance can be found at gov.uk ●

MEETING UP FACE-TO-FACE Having been continually posted overseas for more than a decade with young children and doting grandparents both in the UK and South Africa, AFF Overseas Manager, Esther Thomas, can empathise with those who have spent hours ‘doing the duty visits’ when utilising their annual Get Your Home Overseas flight to the UK: “It’s exhausting, costly and often requires a degree of diplomacy to manage expectations and alternate visits to three sets of grandparents for Christmas!”

AFF TOP TIPS: Consider staying at one of the tri-service welfare houses dotted across the UK or the Services Cotswold Centre when visiting the UK to see relatives, or stay put and let them visit you! More at gov.uk ● Check out if there is welfare accommodation in the overseas location which can be used by visiting family. ●

26 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2023

OVERSEAS

●

If you’re contemplating boarding school, consider a school near to relatives if it’s appropriate as this can be a great way for family to stay connected.

WELFARE If things take a turn for the worse families posted overseas should have peace of mind that the Joint Casualty & Compassionate Centre (JCCC) is an invaluable 24/7 support system which can reunite families in times of crisis.

REAL LIFE The Webber family, based in Belgium, say: “We chose a school due to its close proximity to grandparents and we are so grateful for this as it has made such a difference for the children and us.”

In contrast, Granda Thompson, who lives in Ireland, is always a flight or ferry journey away no matter where his son’s

family are posted or attending school. With them currently posted to Kenya, he says: “We are sad at times because they are so far away and we rarely see them – but we look forward to leave and school holidays when we can be together again as a family.”

Sharon, currently in Kenya, told AFF that when her dad became ill at the beginning of 2023, the army was able to get her back to the UK very quickly and most importantly in time to see him before he died. She says: “Even though I was thankful for the short time with my mum and children, it did highlight the fact that I was away the rest of the time. It’s at times like these that I feel the distance from loved ones most acutely and I feel guilty for putting my family

GET IN TOUCH

If you have any questions or concerns about overseas postings, contact overseassupport@ aff.org.uk

Sam Webbe r with granda d

through these times of separation and inconvenience.”

Sharon is hoping that her mum and inlaws will visit them in Kenya later this year: “It’s hard not to see them more regularly but they acknowledge it’s a once in a lifetime chance for them to visit Kenya while we are here.”

AFF TOP TIPS: Before departing the UK, you should give either a JPA P001 card to next of kin or share the JCCC virtual contact card – more at aff.org.uk under ‘rest of the world’. A

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Army&You Summer 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 27

A HOME FROM HOME FOR MILITARY BOARDERS

Book a virtual or in-person open day www.tauntonschool.co.uk/militaryfamilies

, d el fi ing pr S A S U , a i n i g Vir

A postcard from... and Luke (serving), Frankie, Margot (7)

How long have you been an army family?

We’ve been married for nearly 12 years.

Time in Springfield?

22 months.

How many other military families live there?

Lots, all services are represented. There are military families connected to the embassy, government agencies, and US military establishments.

What’s your quarter like?

We’ve been quite lucky as we took over a private rental, which is managed by the embassy. It’s a town house, just outside Alexandria, Virginia. The elementary school is within walking distance and as part of the community we have an outdoor pool for the summer.

Are there any employment/ training opportunities?

Due to the ages of our children Frankie hasn’t worked here but there are employment opportunities, including at the British embassy.

What about schools/ childcare?

Schooling is different to the UK and not to the standard we’d expect. The US starts school a year later and is not as structured early on. We have been fortunate to meet an ex-English teacher who is giving our eldest daughter extra tuition.

Pre-school childcare is expensive and spaces are competitive as most American parents work full-time.

Where do army families get together and who supports you?

Elodie (4)

The team I work in is quite close and we try to look out for each other and socialise.

Frankie made friends through the BESA (British Embassy Support Association) tots’ group which has play dates and social activities for parents.

security number, so it’s a big outlay when you first arrive.

What are the best things about living there?

The weather because the sun shines most of the time. We live within an hour’s drive of the beach in Maryland and just three hours to the beautiful Delaware coastlines. A

How do you find the cost of living there?

Very expensive. Food is incredibly expensive. We get Local Overseas Allowance to help bridge the gap and without this it would be unaffordable. Things that we take for granted are more expensive here such as internet and cable TV. Fuel is about half the price. We’re Wan your e t to share not able to xp army eriences o get finance f fam Get in ily life? to buy a car touch by as we don’t editor emailing @aff. have a social

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Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 29

COMMUNITY

Mrs Joedina Dupal and BATUK Commander Col Mann

Celebrating culture To celebrate the diversity that exists within the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), it was decided that Sgt ‘Dups’ Dupal would organise a cultural event to help foster a deeper community spirit and develop greater appreciation and respect for different cultures.

There are a huge number of different nationalities working together in BATUK, such as Kenyan, Ghanaian, Nepalese, Fijian, Jamaican, Grenadian, St Lucian, Scottish, Welsh and English – to name but a few.

The day’s theme was ‘Celebrate Your Culture’, which promoted multiculturalism and explored traditions and customs from around the world.

30 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

Visitors had the chance to see traditional dances from the Kenyan stand, listen to music and drumming from the Ghanaian contingent, and revel in some colourful Caribbean storytelling.

The event’s high point was a distinctive performance by the Ghanaian people telling the story of their illustrious Ashanti King, featuring the Golden Stool and the top priest who gave the order from on high.

There was the chance to sample traditional foods from other nations, which were prepared by soldiers and families.

Exhibitions on the day included artefacts, traditional attire, pictures, and other items that symbolise the different cultures.

Local retailers were invited to spread the word about their company, and quizzes, games, sports, and scavenger hunts with cultural themes kept everyone entertained throughout.

The day’s theme was ‘Celebrate Your Culture’, which promoted multiculturalism and explored traditions and customs from around the world.

The day was a success in creating a welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds felt valued. It is hoped that this will now become a regular event in the BATUK social calendar. A

COMMUNITY

GET IN TOUCH

If you’d like to share your community events with us, email editor@aff.org.uk

Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 31

FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH

Separated by service Separation is part and parcel of army life, but how do overseas deployments affect non-UK families in particular?

Saiful Islam and his wife

Here AFF’s F&C team, made up of qualified immigration advisors, outlines some recent cases illustrating the unique pressures faced by non-UK families when a soldier is deployed overseas.

COLLABORATION SUCCESS In March last year the prioritisation of emergency visas for Ukrainians fleeing the war led to extended delays in obtaining visas to enter the UK from all other countries. Processing times increased from three months to a minimum of six, at a time when many soldiers were being deployed.

AFF started to receive an influx of emails from couples desperate to be reunited in the UK before the soldier left on deployment. In close collaboration with the Regional Command non-UK caseworker and the Home Office, an agreement was reached which allowed for spouse entry visas to be fast-tracked if the soldier was due to deploy – more than 70 cases were fast-tracked.

Saiful contacted us in May 2022, he had applied for his wife to enter the UK three months earlier and was then informed it could take a further six months. After being told he could be deployed to Poland at any time, he was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to see his wife before he left. The case was escalated and his wife was able to join him in July.

SUPPORT FOR NEW MOTHERS Family support is important for both practical and emotional reasons and it’s common to want close family members to come to stay after the birth of a baby.

When one parent is deployed, this support becomes even more important, especially if there are other young children who need looking after.

32 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

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FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH Support from friends is key

left: Spouses of Fijian soldiers serving in 22 Engineer Regiment having a picnic with friends in Tidworth while they were in Estonia

Unfortunately for non-UK families whose relatives require a visa to enter the UK, this support can’t be relied on. It can be very difficult to get a visa approved for a family member due to the Home Office’s strict requirements.

The F&C team is regularly contacted for help with visit visa refusals, particularly when the soldier is deployed.

There’s often not much we can do to help because in many cases the evidence the Home Office needs simply isn’t available.

However, if you’re having difficulties getting a visit visa for a family member, contact fcsupport@aff.org.uk

Many UK immigration categories do impose a requirement that the applicant for Indefinite Leave to Remain must not be outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, but this rule does not apply to those on the family route.

The family route allows for caseworkers to use discretion when considering the length of time that has been spent out of the UK and away from the sponsoring spouse.

CAN I RETURN HOME WHILE MY SOLDIER SPOUSE IS DEPLOYED?

If you’re applying for indefinite leave and have spent a number of months out of the UK and apart from your sponsoring spouse, you should get in touch with the team and we’ll advise on the evidence to provide. However, your visa will not be refused if you return to your home country during your soldier’s deployment.

Many spouses choose to return to families in their home country instead of remaining in the UK when soldiers are deployed. We’re often asked if this will affect future applications.

You should bear in mind that if you’re pregnant and you choose to have your child in your home country, the child will only be born British if one of the parents is British.

34 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

DOES THE SOLDIER HAVE TO BE IN THE UK WHEN I SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO REMAIN? Thankfully long gone are the days when spouses were only able to submit applications to remain in person at the Home Office with their sponsoring soldier – leading to many spouses becoming overstayers when the soldier was deployed.

However, whilst online forms have made submitting visa applications easier, it’s still necessary to gather the supporting documents (such as payslips, bank statements and a unit letter to confirm that the financial requirement is met) and there remains a requirement for the sponsoring soldier to sign the consent form.

You can complete the online form before the deployment, but you can’t submit and make payment more than 28 days before your limited leave visa expires.

If you’re struggling to complete the form due to a deployment, please feel free to get in touch with our team by emailing fcsupport@aff.org.uk A

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HEALTH

SEND in focus

AFF receives many enquiries relating to SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability), including accessing the most suitable education for your children, especially when you’re regularly on the move around the UK and overseas.

Health & Additional Needs Specialist Karen Ross outlines what AFF has been doing recently to support families…

Since AFF submitted this evidence, the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan: Right Support, Right Place, Right Time report has been published. Some of the commitments in this report that we hope may support you more effectively in the future include:

getting EHCPs. We also stated that: “AFF has evidence from families whose local authorities say they will not confirm what support will be provided to the child until they actually move into that area.”

delivery of national SEND and alternative provision standards with the intent to provide clarity about what support families, carers and children should receive, reducing the need for families to fight for support; ● an investment of £2.6bn to fund new SEND places and to improve existing provision; ● deliver a standard EHCP template from 2025, with guidance and information on processes; ● local authorities to improve information available to families and provide a list of suitable settings; ● a more joined up response between the Department for Education and the NHS.

AFF is tracking the following areas on your behalf:

●

PRESENTING EVIDENCE Last year I used evidence generated from your enquiries to respond to the Government’s green paper SEND review consultation for England. I raised many of the issues you contact us about, including: getting an Education Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP); ● difficulties transferring EHCPs across England, with many local authorities not meeting their statutory duty; ● lack of SEND provision with significant numbers of service children without a suitable school place for months or longer; ● the time it can take for an autism/ ADHD assessment and the variation in the process across England. ●

36 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

AFF, with the other families federations, gave evidence on SEND issues to the Defence Select Committee, discussing issues that arise due to army families’ mobility, which has led to delays in both medical and educational assessments, and

MONITORING TRENDS

transfer of EHCPs from one local authority to another; ● lack of information from local authorities – families tell us this is a constant battle; ● issues with career management. ●

We’ll also be keeping an eye on how the Government’s proposals in its SEND improvement plan are rolled out and monitoring the impact for you and your family.

WORKING TOGETHER AFF continues to work closely with the MOD Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding (AFFS) team to give feedback on policy and processes.

AFFS has created a UK Armed Forces

HEALTH Carers’ Statement of Intent and we will be supporting its work to help carers in the armed forces.

Its new website will be a one-stop shop for policies and information. Currently this is hosted on MOD SharePoint but a replica of the site will be created on Defence Connect with the ambition of hosting the information on gov.uk in future.

SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES Supportability and additional needs policy It’s mandatory for army personnel to register their family’s additional and supportability needs with their chain of command and Army Personnel Centre career managers, so that they’re aware of any extra support you may need, particularly before a new posting. AGAI 81 Part 8 provides guidance on the support available and process to follow.

Registration is done by completing Annex L – career management notification proforma. More at aff.org.uk.

If you’re considering an overseas assignment and have a child with SEND, you’ll need medical and educational clearance before you can accompany the serving person. JSP 770 Chapter 2A has now been replaced by a new MOD policy Assessment of Support Needs for Accompanied Assignments Overseas. See gov.uk

Defence Children Services (DCS) DCS’ responsibility is to support service families with issues relating to education and care. AFF works closely with its Education Advisory Team (EAT) (UK) and its Overseas Education and Supportability Team (OEST). EAT (UK) provides guidance on the education of service children in the UK, including SEND support. The OEST provides guidance on education support for children overseas and also provides educational support for overseas commands and DCS schools and settings.

Wraparound Childcare The MOD Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme enables working families to claim up to 20 hours a week of before and after school childcare for four to 11-year-olds. If your child has a disability, you can claim WAC until they’re 16. See aff.org.uk The Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) FANDF is a tri-service group for serving personnel, reservists and their families who have a child or adult family member with an additional need and/or disability. FANDF is facilitated by SSAFA and one of its main roles is its biennial conference.

Karen attended the last conference in June and hosted an AFF stand. She says: “The conference is an opportunity for families to meet MOD policymakers and professionals. Families were able to raise the issues that affect them with the promise that these will be investigated and

addressed by MOD and the single service chain of command too.”

There were updates from the AFFS team, including the Education Policy Team and an overview they of the work they are doing with the MOD Local Authority Partnership and the Department for Education. The CanDiD Network, Education Advisory Team (UK), SSAFA and the other families federations were also represented.

The Adjust Network SSgt Julie Murray has been involved with setting up the Adjust Network to give more support on neurodiversity and SEND issues to service personnel and their families. Julie said: “I’m trying to increase awareness of the local authority local offer and to integrate with communities to prevent isolation, particularly when the service person is deployed.” The network can be accessed on Defence Connect.

Garrison ASSIST The Garrison ASSIST (Assessment, Support and School Inclusivity in SEND Teaching) project at Catterick Garrison has been set up to make sure that SEND provision for children and young people is the best it can be. A group of nine schools have teamed up to ensure support is in place for children with SEND, including highly mobile pupils.

If you’re in Catterick, have a child with SEND and would like to be involved, email GarrisonAssistProject@gmail.com A

Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 37

HEALTH

JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

Pippa’s story Pippa is married to Gavin who serves in the Royal Army Medical Corps and they have two sons, Morgan and Oscar.

to remain in their current location whilst waiting for a decision to request education otherwise than at school (EOTAS) for him.

Oscar has multiple diagnoses including autism, pathological demand avoidance (PDA), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorder, hypermobility, selective mutism and several other conditions. Pippa’s family have been lucky to remain in their current location for the last 13 years. This stability has really supported their family especially when they were applying for an EHCP for Oscar.

EOTAS is difficult to get and usually requires parents to go to tribunal to secure it. There are specific criteria that must be met, and the Children’s and Families Act 2014, s61 discusses this further.

Pippa explains: “We had known from a young age that Oscar was autistic and that there may be other conditions too. Oscar attended several schools where I asked whether we needed to provide him with extra support. I was continually told he was ‘fine once in school’, a phrase many parents of children with SEND will be more than familiar with!”

SOURCE OF SUPPORT Pippa hadn’t realised she could request an EHCP herself. “Thankfully I had become a member of our local National Autistic Society group. I made friends with parents dealing with many of the same issues I was facing and chatting to others in the same position was a great source of support.”

Through the group, Pippa met a volunteer for the charity SOS!SEN who supported her through the EHCP process and also taught her about SEND law.

The family quickly realised that mainstream secondary school wouldn’t be appropriate for Oscar so they tried a local SEND school. However, Oscar just couldn’t cope in a school setting. They managed

38 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

It’s often considered a temporary measure while work is done on getting the child reintegrated into an appropriate setting.

But, due to a shortage of SEND school places, EOTAS is becoming more common.

Packages are centered around the child’s needs, interests and aspirations.

NEW ROUTINES When Oscar was awarded an EOTAS package he was given 25 hours a week of support and has a full-time personal and learning support assistant.

Pippa says: “Oscar had been medicated for his severe anxiety since he was seven.

But once his staff were all in place and he got used to them and his new routine through the EOTAS package, we began to get our boy back. He started to smile more and was finally in a position to start learning again.”

Two years on Oscar has taken GCSE maths, a functional skills English qualification and completed a Level 1 animal management course and continues to study.

Pippa also has autism and with her experience of SEND law, developed a passion for helping others, so has joined the Hampshire Parent Carer Network.

She is now a parent volunteer and military experience link for Hampshire SENDIASS, and runs the East Hampshire, Hart and Rushmoor get-togethers.

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HEALTH

Embracing differences Neurodiverse Community Catterick (NDCC) is a non-profit organisation that supports neurodivergent adults, children and parent carers.

When founder and army spouse Lesley Collier moved to the area, her eldest daughter had recently been diagnosed as autistic. Lesley noticed a lack of support and services in the area, so decided to start a group herself.

Managing director Lottie Coulson explains more: “Our ethos is to empower our members whilst also creating a safe inclusive community, free from judgement. We know from personal experience how important it is to create a space that allows neurodivergent people to be themselves.

“I joined Lesley as I loved how relaxed I felt whilst attending with my autistic daughter. We realised our values and aspirations were the same.

“We wanted to create an inclusive environment where no one feels left out. We have helped adults and children make new friends, helped to tackle isolation and loneliness, offered a brew and a hug when needed and helped parent carers take time out for

40 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

themselves, whilst learning new hobbies.

“We offer support online and in person, run an adult-only support group, dropins for professionals and parent carers and family inclusive groups. We have events such as picnics in the park, support education and training to local organisations and schools, and offer employment support.”

NDCC is going from strength to strength and is proud to be an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and an Employer Recognition Scheme bronze award holder.

Libby Howard, who’s a serving soldier, said: “I found out about NDCC by chance and ever since, I have attended groups with my three-year-old son Albie. The group is fantastic; Albie gets to play without being judged, whether it’s just sitting there spinning a wheel on a wheelchair or playing on the climbing frame. It’s also great for me as I got help with Disability Living Allowance paperwork and advice on the steps GET IN TOUCH for his EHCP. It’s For more info, see ndccatterick.co.uk great to be able to relax and have a chat with other parents.” A

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MONEY & YOU

Getting ready to go

In terms of admin and finance, there’s a lot to prepare ahead of deployments, operations and exercises, so what do you need to think about when you’re spending time apart? AFF Money & Allowances Specialist Claire Hallam has the details…

Whether you’re the person staying at home or the person deployed, it’s wise to think about all the accounts you have and who can access them. The last thing you need is to be unable to sort out a problem with a bill, or discover that a company won’t speak to you because your name is not on an account.

WHO NEEDS ACCESS? Get all your important documents together and look at who is named and who needs access. Some companies may allow you to set up a password or add a nominated person to the account so they can sort any issues directly. If not, you may need to consider whether lasting power of attorney is a better option – there’s more info at gov.uk.

The serving person who is deploying should update their will and nomination, their next of kin and confirm who they wish to have as an emergency contact on Joint Personnel Administration.

Think about access to money for the person left at home – you could consider setting up a joint bank account or standing order/direct debit. Alternatively, the serving person can give someone temporary access to their account. Speak to your bank or building society.

“Allowances and expenses are under constant review so they can be changed, cancelled or varied,” If you’re deployed to a location where you won’t be able to use your mobile phone or need to get a local SIM card, check if you can suspend your contract whilst you’re 42 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

away. Many providers will allow you to do this, which could save you money!

THE RIGHT INFO The recent RAND financial resilience survey, conducted in partnership with AFF, found that army families saw operational allowances as a positive. However, survey respondents did note that frequently families encounter job changes, relocation, deployment or posting with little advance notice. This makes long-term financial planning difficult and may cause families to take on unnecessary expenses. Some of you reported that information is often provided only to the service person, which isn’t helpful if they’re away.

So where can you find out more about the allowances you may receive on deployment, ops or exercise?

What’s available depends on the serving person’s individual circumstances, the location they’re going to and the length of time they’re away. Here are some allowances or benefits that you may be eligible for: Longer Separation Allowance (LSA) – helps to compensate for certain periods of separation. The level and amount increases the more the service person is away. ● Deployed Welfare Package – for certain deployments overseas, with access to things like the internet, TV or entertainment. ● Local Overseas Allowance (LOA) – if going overseas on exercise or deployment some locations may pay LOA. This is to offset any extra cost of living compared to the UK. You can’t normally get LOA and the Deployed Welfare Package together. ●

ARMY FAMILIES often contact AFF about postexercise/deployment allowances impacting their government benefits or child maintenance payments. Some allowances, like LSA, are taxable whilst others, like LOA, are not. Taxable allowances are considered part of your pay, so it’s important to consider this.

MONEY & YOU Different rates are paid depending on circumstances and locations. ● Concessionary Travel for Families – enables entitled family members to visit during extended periods of deployment. If eligible, you’ll be provided with travel tickets. The number of journeys that can be claimed can vary. ● Council Tax Relief – for specified operations or assignments if you own your own home and pay full council tax when you’re deployed or if you’re in Service Family Accommodation in

contributions in lieu of council tax. You won’t be able to get it if your council already gives you a discount whilst on operations. ● Operational Allowance – paid to recognise that some locations are more demanding and have increased risk.

Credit: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2023

Major Will Hodgson, SO2 Allowances Policy, says it’s important not to financially plan based on the current rates of allowances. “Allowances and expenses are under constant review so they can be changed, cancelled or varied,” he says.

“Allowances are paid for the set of circumstances experienced by the serving person. It’s important to understand what allowances will stop and what will start when you are going on exercise, operations or deployment.

“For example, if you’re claiming Get You Home Travel this may stop whilst you’re away as you’re no longer travelling home during that period. Those in Northern Ireland may stop receiving Northern Ireland residents’ supplement when on exercise, as they’re GET IN TOUCH not experiencing Speak with the the restrictions of unit HR team to Northern Ireland, find out what you’re but LSA may be eligible for and check paid instead.” A discovermybenefits. mod.gov.uk

Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 43

Back in the Saddle Forces Wives Challenge (FWC) unites women who have partners in the armed forces through adventure and challenge.

F

ROM summiting Pen y Fan in Wales to becoming the world’s first all-female group to recreate the Heroes of Telemark journey across Norway’s Hardangervidda Plateau, FWC has organised many inspiring events and raised thousands for charity.

Military spouse Stephanie Quintrell, accompanied by seven other FWC members, took part in its Ride to Freedom this summer, retracing the steps of those escaping occupied France during the Second World War along ‘freedom trails’ in the Pyrenees mountains.

Here she shares her incredible journey…

“Firstly, I’ll give a little background, and how the

expedition came about. In 2019 mine and my family’s lives changed overnight when I suddenly became unwell and subsequently was diagnosed with a neurological condition.

“Within 48 hours I had lost my ability to walk and became completely wheelchair dependent. Less than two weeks later, I had lost the use of the fingers on my right hand, started having seizures, was living with intense pain and had a whole host of other symptoms to contend with.

44 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

“What followed was a long battle to ensure I received the correct diagnoses and appropriate treatment. Our son was just two years old and as I was a full-time working mum, it took a lot of adjustment for us all.

“After a two-year break from riding my horse when I became ill, I finally got back in the saddle in summer 2021. Around the same time, I became heavily involved with FWC and the seed for an adventure of my own was planted!

Facing the challenge “I travelled to France to begin what would turn out to be the most challenging but incredible adventure. I became the first person with my level of disability (in a wheelchair full-time) to ride by horseback across the Pyrenees from France to Spain.

“We flew to Toulouse airport, then travelled to the small town of Biert to begin our expedition.

When I started planning this expedition two years ago, I never dreamt it would turn out to be such an empowering and

“I became the first person with my level of disability (in a wheelchair full-time) to ride by horseback across the Pyrenees from France to Spain.”

important journey, not just for my team and I, but for so many others.

“Our team spent five days in the Pyrenees trekking from France to Spain, to recreate the journey many took before us when they were escaping occupied France.

“Downed airmen and women, as well as Jewish refugees, in fear of their lives, used these escape routes in the mountains to flee to safety.

“These mountain passes are made up of the most difficult and challenging terrain, with sheer drops, steep ascents and descents, and the potential for falling boulders. The route was made even harder by the rapidly changing weather in the mountains.

Constant battle “We battled extreme heat, a horrendous storm whilst sleeping under canvas at 2200m and long, cold, wet days in the saddle, to experience just a glimpse of what those who used these trails to escape to safety had to deal with.

Our week was full of challenges and there were of course times that I questioned what I had got myself into, but as we completed our trek, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of achievement and gratitude for making it safely through.

“A team effort was needed to enable me to successfully complete the challenge, and every team member showed a Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 45

“As I sit reflecting on the journey we took, exhausted and weary, I am full of appreciation at being part of the military community.” selfless commitment to helping me throughout the week.

“For me, this shows the strength, resilience and attitude of forces wives. When the going got tough, the team pulled together in an extraordinary way to ensure we all made it through the week.

There would be no one left behind.

“As I sit reflecting on the journey we took, exhausted and weary, I am full of appreciation at being part of the military community. Being a military family brings so many pressures and stresses that are so different to civilian life, but it also brings so many opportunities.

“Being part of a team of women who all understand these stresses and, in many ways, don’t need spoken words to communicate with each other about how we are feeling, is something I will never take for granted.

“When I became unwell and our lives were turned upside 46 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

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down, I felt that my life had lost purpose and meaning. I felt I had no active role to play within my family and in the working world.

Finding purpose “Finding FWC has given me that purpose, and whilst my confidence increased in my professional life, I realised my confidence increased in my personal life too. The expedition gave me a reason to physically push myself and with that came increased fitness and stamina, which then had a positive effect on my family.

“I am more able to physically

play with my son, I even get in soft plays with him now and just find a way to get round, because anything is possible if you want it enough.

“When my husband and son came to meet me at the airport on my return to the UK and I saw the emotion in their eyes, I had the most incredible feeling of pride that I will never forget.

Pride at what I had achieved alongside my team, but also at being able to show my young son what determination and hard work can enable you to do.”

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48 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

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EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

Dealing with deployment KEEP SCHOOL INFORMED Alongside these avenues of support, it’s always a good idea to tell your child’s school about any future deployments or time away.

Reading Force founder and director Alison with a family at Talavera Junior School in Aldershot

Chair of the SCISS NEAC, Steph Fawdry, explains why it is so important to inform the school when a parent will be away or there’s a change to usual working routines.

Families approach AFF regularly to ask for support for their child when the serving parent goes away. The absence of a parent can cause many different feelings and emotions for children, with many parents telling us of increased anxiety and behaviour changes in their child.

TACKLING CHALLENGES

Regardless of whether this is for a shortterm exercise or longer-term deployment, AFF provides guidance for families and often signposts to organisations which can help during these periods of absence.

Additionally, families can reach out to Little Troopers, which recognises the challenges faced by children brought about by military life, especially when they are separated from their serving parent.

Among these is Reading Force, which encourages forces families to connect through their shared experience of reading together, which can help nurture relationships during times of deployment or training.

Little Troopers provides useful resources to help support children during these periods of absence, including a programme launched last October providing faceto-face therapy for children who are struggling with some of the challenges of military life.

Reading Force is free to all families with a military connection (including serving, reservist, veterans and those separated by bereavement, divorce or relationship breakdown). It offers a range of reading scrapbooks (including a new one for teenagers) and the chance to join book clubs. Find out more on page 66 or at readingforce.org.uk 50 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

The Service Children In State Schools National Education Advisory Committee (SCISS NEAC) acts as the voice of schools which have service pupils on roll in England. As many of its members are teachers themselves, they are experienced at supporting children during these difficult periods.

A Little Troopers residential break

The charity has just launched a new, ondemand video series for parents as part of this, featuring therapists talking about what children and parents might be going through during times of deployment and suggesting activities that parents and children can do together at home. See littletroopers.net

“It’s fundamental for your child’s wellbeing to let schools know that the serving parent is going away. That way schools can ensure that any needed support is put in place so that any emotional need does not become a barrier to learning and that the child feels well supported by their school.”

PASTORAL SUPPORT Steph’s school, RAF Benson Community Primary School, uses its Service Pupil Premium to provide a pastoral support officer who can help pupils while their parent is away, but Steph Fawdry she emphasises that without good communication from parents, they wouldn’t know who they need to help as children don’t always know to share this information with their teachers.

Ian Mottram, headteacher at Le Cateau Primary School at Catterick Garrison, says that when armed with the knowledge that a parent is going away, schools can keep a closer eye on your child.

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Come and find out more about what we can offer your child at our school.

Open Mornings for Reception 2024 intake on: 12th October 2023 (0915-1015) | 9th January 2024 (0915-1015) This is an opportunity to have a tour of our wonderful facilities and meet the Leadership team.

‘Children in Reception move calmly between formal learning and other activities’ ‘Teachers have high-quality conversations with children to develop their language skills. They introduce new vocabulary which the children rehearse and use in their play’.

Ofsted July 2023

Other year groups are also welcome to attend the open mornings. Our recent Ofsted visit (July 2023) highlighted ‘They have planned a wellsequenced, ambitious and inclusive curriculum f rom Reception Year to the end of Year 6’.

‘Leaders get to know pupils quickly to welcome them and understand their needs.’

To make an appointment for a tour, contact the school directly by phone 01264 310780 or email admin@wellingtonprimary.org.uk

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LEARNING TRUST

14/07/2023 12:05:26

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

BY YOUR SIDE He says: “It’s about being aware and knowing that the child may need some extra support. We can keep a close eye and check in Ian Mottram with them more frequently for the duration of the time apart. Sharing information is so important so that the child knows that the school cares and is available to help them where they can.”

Regardless of where you are in the world or where your child goes to school, the message is always the same from headteachers. Ben Turner, headteacher at Akrotiri School in Cyprus, stresses the importance of knowing about forthcoming time apart that a child may be about to experience.

There are more than 100 assignment locations across the world and around 4,000 children who are accompanying their serving parents.

It is important that the MOD is aware of where these children are and how they can best help them on their educational journey, so Strategic Command and the army asked Defence Children Services (DCS) to set up a virtual school to help support them.

In September last year the MOD Virtual School (MODVS) was launched with headteacher Shena Washer in charge.

WHAT IS THE MODVS?

The MODVS has been set up to oversee the safety, welfare and education of those children who accompany their parents on assignments to overseas locations. It is there to offer further support for children who are educated in non-DCS schools, as well as those who are home educated.

The Banda School, Nairobi

children’s educational journey from the UK and back to lessen the chance of children going missing from the education system as they travel with their parents.

WHICH AREAS DOES IT COVER AND WHAT SUPPORT DOES IT OFFER? The school covers families posted overseas in non-DCS school locations, excluding USA, Australia and New Zealand.

The MODVS can provide advice and support with any aspect of education overseas, including: SEND curriculum enquiries ● academic progress ● concerns on the quality of education ● attendance questions ● support during transition. ● ●

He says: “This gives the school an understanding of why your child’s mood may fluctuate or why their approach to Ben Turner learning might be different than it usually is.

The MODVS is there to provide advice and support to parents, schools and commands about educational matters that may arise overseas. Working in partnership with schools and families, the MODVS team will monitor a child’s attendance, achievement and safety. It’s there to offer additional support to parents to ensure that every child is given the best life chances.

“For example, at our school we can put in some additional support mechanisms to ensure the child’s experience of learning is as well supported as it would be if the serving parent was at home.”

The virtual school does not have a building, and children remain the responsibility of the school at which they are enrolled (or the parents for those home educated).

DEPLOYMENT SUPPORT

DO FAMILIES NEED TO ENROL THEIR CHILD AT THE VIRTUAL SCHOOL?

If your child’s school is unsure of how they can help, then they can find information on sciss.org.uk under the ‘support’ section.

Children moving to schools in non-DCS locations will automatically be enrolled in the MODVS once the serving person has received their confirmation of educational supportability from DCS.

Here you’ll find a handy resource created with the three families federations about aspects of deployment and signposts to agencies across the UK who can offer information, support and help at times when absences bring additional challenges to forces life. A

From this point Shena will act as a contact point for parents, schools and commands who need advice and guidance. The MODVS will also track the

52 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

The MODVS will monitor the locations of families who home educate their children abroad and can provide advice and support if needed.

Shena is available to attend meetings with parents and schools and this can often put parents at ease and explain the ‘educational jargon’.

In April she visited schools in Kenya which are currently attended by more than 100 service children.

HOW CAN YOU BE CONTACTED?

The MODVS can only be contacted once families are overseas. Email RC-DCSHQ-MODVS@mod.gov.uk. This email can be used by either GET IN the serving person or the TOUCH spouse/partner. The MODVS AFF can provide education guidance is hoping to eventually with postings overseas extend the area it covers to or in the UK, contact include all overseas locations educationsupport@ worldwide. A aff.org.uk.

Come and find out more about what we can offer your child at our brand new, purpose built school.

Open Mornings for Reception 2024 intake on: 10th October 2023 (0915-1015) | 11th January 2024 (0915-1015) This is an opportunity to have a tour of our wonderful facilities and meet the Leadership team. Other year groups are also welcome to attend.

We also have spaces in our Nursery, The Nest and you can visit our setting at any time to meet the team and discuss what hours we have available.

To make an appointment for a tour, contact the school directly by phone 01264 316400 or email admin@wellingtoneagles.org.uk

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LEARNING TRUST

14/07/2023 12:06:18

SPONSORED FEATURE The Leys

An appetite for learning Food fit for furthering education... a sample of the culinary delights fuelling students’ progress in the classroom KING’S COLLEGE When choosing a boarding school, parents naturally want excellent teaching and outstanding facilities for their children, but what’s on the menu is also a serious consideration. At King’s, that’s one less concern, since both the senior and prep schools understand the importance placed on meals and the part they play in the school day, diet and educational experience.

For all pupils, healthy, nutritious, balanced meals that sustain them throughout their busy days are readily available, and senior pupils have a say in what’s on offer through the School Food Committee. Feedback helps the catering team refine their menus and provide more of the pupils’ favourites such as vegetarian lasagne, afternoon teacakes and hot cross buns during the Lent Term. Recent changes include a plant-based lunch, pizza, burgers and curry on the Saturday night menu and brunch on Sundays.

Boarders enjoy around 21 meals at school each week, so it is essential they have variety and choice. Food is available aroundthe-clock, from a hearty early breakfast and packed meals for trips and outings, to delicious

evening meals and high energy snacks that set pupils up for sports fixtures.

Catering Manager Rick Pearce said: “The catering teams prepare around 6,000 tasty meals a week, and pupils’ health, wellbeing and satisfaction is at the root of everything they do. Our ethos is ‘fresh food from scratch’.

Menus are seasonal, reflecting the best of fresh local produce and constructed to offer balance and variety. Raw ingredients are sourced from carefully selected suppliers with whom we have long-standing relationships, and each supplier adheres to stringent standards with regards to health, safety and welfare.”

The senior and prep schools proudly hold a five-star food hygiene rating, and have done so since the measures were introduced. Both schools have also been shortlisted for the Independent School of the Year for Healthy Eating award which recognises innovative programmes that have a tangible impact in the school and local community. – www.kings-taunton.co.uk

THE LEYS As a co-educational boarding

54 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

Hall Grove’s garden

and day school for 11-18 year olds, catering is a very important part of the pupils’ experience, and nourishing the growth and development of our pupils is a top priority. The Dining Hall serves breakfast, lunch, and supper, with menus on a three-week rotational basis that change with the seasons.

Our Head Chef ensures a varied selection, including main meals, vegetarian options, jacket potatoes with various fillings, freshly prepared deli rolls, a salad bar with protein toppings, fresh fruit, yogurt, and hot and cold desserts.

We prioritise homemade meals using locally sourced ingredients, including MSC certified fish.

We also accommodate medically prescribed dietary requirements with specialised meals. Our Catering Manager maintains the highest quality standards by working closely with suppliers and personally visiting their premises to confirm their adherence to our expectations. – www.theleys.net

conducted by Kellogg’s saying that children being hungry in the classroom is a significant factor in them having to work harder to teach the curriculum. Numerous studies have concluded that eating a nutritious school meal lowers the likelihood of developmental impairments such as behaviour, language, fine and gross motor skills, and concentration and it is a big contributing factor to why the Government offers free meals to reception and key stage 1.

So, it is no wonder that many schools have invested heavily in

QUEEN ETHELBURGA’S COLLEGIATE The importance of food in education is evident with 46 per cent of teachers in a recent survey

King’s College dining hall

SPONSORED FEATURE

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

their food provision. For example, the menu created by the multi award-winning catering team at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) is healthy, tasty, varied, and caters for all dietary requirements.

The team run themed weeks and international days to encourage the sampling of new foods whilst having fun, with firm student favourites including the Chinese New Year Feast and Cultural Awareness Week. Going a step further, QE also has a Student Food Council that meets regularly with the catering team to provide their ideas and feedback and to ensure the food served remains popular with the whole QE community.

QE’s Catering General Manager, Fran Graves, says: “We focus on creating exciting, diverse, nutritious meals and snacks to ensure our students are getting the

Duke of York’s Royal Military School

correct ‘fuel’ they need to support them in their learning. Each half term we offer a new three-week menu and a new ‘light bite’ menu to keep things fresh. Our team are dedicated to contributing to the healthy eating and lifestyles of our students so that we can maximise their potential and improve their wellbeing.”

In addition, schools are crucial to addressing the UK’s childhood obesity problem by teaching practical cooking skills and encouraging healthy eating.

This is often done through food technology and topic lessons, but some schools also offer clubs. At QE, 14 practical food technology classes happen each week for Years 6-9 and personal development cookery lessons are taught for Years 10 to 11. The QE catering team also host educational extracurricular activities for the whole school including oversubscribed practical cooking and baking clubs as well as a ‘Growing club’, which makes use of an on-site kitchen garden to teach the students about growing, harvesting, and then ultimately cooking with different ingredients. – www.qe.org

HALL GROVE SCHOOL Within the 40 acres of grounds at Hall Grove School near Bagshot lies a gem of an 18th century walled garden. Here a remarkable educational project introduces all children, from the pre-school up to Year 8, to the joys of gardening. Led by Joanne Buckler,

a qualified primary teacher and horticulturist who trained at Kew and Wisley, the boys and girls follow the gardening year through the seasons and see much of their produce re-appear in the dining hall as part of the school’s nutritious menus.

Close to the garden is a log cabin food technology classroom with an adjoining outdoor pizza oven.

Cooking is a very popular activity and senior pupils compete eagerly for the annual Masterchef award.

The Headmaster of Hall Grove is Neil Tomlin OBE, formerly a colonel and a commander of one the SCOTS Battalions.

He sees the value of outdoor learning where children’s academic studies are balanced by play and exploration in the school’s extensive woods and grounds. A flock of breeding sheep graze the parkland managed by the school’s owner, Alastair Graham (homegrown lamb is served on special occasions).

The school also owns Battisborough House, a residential centre on the South Devon coast, which is adjoined by a dairy farm.

As part of a diversification project, delicious ice cream is made at the farm, marketed under the Surfing Cow label, and is a very popular summer term treat!

It is rare for suburban children to have such exposure to garden, farm and countryside as such an integral part of their education, and to experience first-hand how their food is grown. – www. hallgrove.co.uk

DOYRMS The adage ‘nothing brings people together better than good food’, couldn’t be more true at full boarding school, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, where students enjoy nutritious and tasty meals together in an historic dining hall.

As well as three main meals a day, students can relax in the Dukies Coffee Shop, which offers hot and cold drinks, as well as tasty snacks and sourdough pizzas.

The school’s catering provider, Thomas Franks, is committed to matching the same level of excellence that is evident in other areas of life at the award-winning school. Its aim is to provide a memorable dining experience for the whole community: relaxing yet exciting, adding to the school to make it feel like a home from home.

Students enjoy great food, locally sourced ingredients and exceptional service. Menus are developed by nutritionists and focus on balanced diets to provide sustained energy for those facing a busy school day.

The school, offering affordable full and weekly boarding options, provides food technology lessons to students and offers the subject at GCSE – with trained chefs and nutritionists from the school’s catering team providing workshops to students in areas such as healthy eating and culinary skills. – www.doyrms. com

Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 55

SPONSORED FEATURE GORDON’S It’s the stuff of nightmares preparing food for teenagers, especially when it’s a large family of diverse tastes. So spare a thought for the school kitchen staff, where at Gordon’s School in Surrey they are serving up almost 2,000 meals every weekday for the discerning palates of global consumers! Add to the mix, new legislation that requires information on the carbon footprint of every morsel, the need to measure waste and a ban on single use plastic containers, and it’s a recipe for a headache.

The focus at Gordon’s is not just feeding an army of international students, but educating their palates and providing them with an easy to follow way of understanding the healthy and most sustainable options available.

“All the meals are healthy and balanced with particular regard to vegans, vegetarians and allergies,” says Head of Catering Paul Hopkins, adding that each dish is meticulously planned to ensure the right balance of protein and carbohydrates. Superfoods – oily fish and grains – are very much a part of his menus too.

While the teachers plough through the curriculum, Paul, who has a background in Michelin-starred restaurants, sees his job as introducing his young diners to new foods, encouraging them to experiment and keeping them healthy and fit for the rigorous sporting timetable.

“It’s all very well doing cottage pie but a nice dish from Malaysia or Thailand gives them a better education”, says Paul. “If we do it right and cook well, they will eat anything!”

The school menus are seasonal and fully labelled so each diner is aware of the fat, saturates, sugars and salt content of what they are putting into their mouths.

Students have a varied choice throughout the day with two main lunch options or jacket potato and salad with a soup of the day. A typical day might start with a full English or continental breakfast, with a lunchtime choice of soup, coq au vin, lentil or mushroom au vin, jacket potato, oaty apple flapjack and for supper lamb koftas, halloumi shakshuka or vegan kofta, fresh fruit and yoghurts.

The dishes served certainly aren’t what would typically be described as ‘school dinners’.

However, what is produced for student consumption, is not just judged on a meal by meal basis but termly when the student Food Council meets!

While Paul is prepared to occasionally pander to the typical teenage diet of hamburgers, chips and pizzas, the hamburgers are handmade using good quality beef and the pizzas include “as many vegetables as possible” in the tomato sauce topping and quality mozzarella. And while cakes and desserts feature, the brownies will contain beetroot and the

Gordon’s Coronation Lunch

muffins are filled with carrot and courgette. Everything is fresh, nothing frozen.

Evening meals are based around street food and contemporary cuisine to make the food more interesting. To this end, students might expect Mexican; Thai and West African cuisine on the menu.

All meals take place in the Dining Hall and are prepared by a team of staff, responsible in December 2022 for another five star rating by the Environmental Health Officer.

In addition to the Dining Hall, each boarding and day house has a kitchen where students can make their own snacks such as a cup of hot chocolate and toast. In the boarding houses particularly, these are the ‘heart of the home’ and have become a relaxed leisure and meeting place.

Parents also benefit from the gourmet food produced by the school catering staff. A Supper Club operates three times a year, providing an opportunity for them to enjoy fine dining, raise funds for the school and for Paul to get creative with tasting menus and wine.

If there’s any criticism of the school lunches at Gordon’s, it’s the difficulty in deciding what to have! – www.gordons.school

TAUNTON SCHOOL

St George’s

56 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

Seasonal dishes made from locallysourced produce are what’s on the menu for students at Taunton School. Whether it’s gluten-free, vegetarian or plant-based there is something for everyone.

Catering Manager Lisa

Richards has to take account of 60 different dietary requirements when planning lunches for 1,500 students every day as well as breakfasts and dinners for 400 boarders.

It is a far cry from when she joined the school 29 years ago.

Then, there were just 350 pupils, mostly from the local area, and a ‘one size fits all’ menu.

Times have changed. “Highly nutritious meals and a wide choice of options are now the key,” says Lisa. “We have students from nursery age through to sixth-form and each age group needs the right food to perform at their best.

“These are busy, growing people who need lots of energy.

At Taunton, we know that an excellent diet is essential for physical and emotional development – whether it’s in the classroom, on the sports pitch, out with our Combined Cadet Force or playing in an orchestra or acting.”

Properly fuelling a school community is no mean feat.

Lisa and her long-standing team rotate menus every four weeks and review what’s on offer every half term. There are also regular feedback forums which allow students to say what food options they are enjoying and what they feel could be improved.

Sustainability is top of Lisa’s agenda. She ensures that suppliers are local – all within a small radius of the Somerset school. She is also working on plans for a new composter to help the catering team reduce waste.

A state-of-the-art dining hall,

opened by Princess Anne in 2021, is at the heart of Taunton School’s daily life with students from nursery and pre-prep through to the senior and international schools enjoying meals together in a central space.

“Food is what brings people together,” says Lisa, whose kitchens have enjoyed a 5* hygiene rating since the Government introduced the inspection system in 1990. “It is one of the key ingredients of a thriving school community like ours.” – www.tauntonschool.co.uk

ST GEORGE’S ASCOT St George’s Ascot is an independent boarding and day school with 270 pupils aged from 11-18 years, 45 per cent of whom are boarders (both full and tailored). It is a welcoming school with a warm sense of community.

Food plays a significant role in school life, and it has won wide recognition and awards including Tatler magazine’s prestigious ‘Best School Food for Independent

Schools in the UK Award’ and received highly commended in the City Kids School Food Awards.

The school’s menus are well balanced with a wide range of options that appeal to all, and high quality local produce is used.

This philosophy brings delicious, healthy and creative menus full of choice that change with the seasons. Ingredients are carefully balanced to provide girls with the nutrition that they need.

Girls can choose from everyday staple foods including an extensive salad menu and a range of fresh fruit and home-made yoghurts. A ‘street food’ lunch menu is always popular, being ‘on trend’ and nutritious. For boarders, evening menus include themed ‘Grazing Nights’, designed to encourage girls to expand their tastes and try different dishes from around the world.

Aside from catering, food features in the academic provision.

In a new Food Technology and Cookery Department,

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Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 57

SPONSORED FEATURE pupils develop a core level of competency in the kitchen and, in the process, fuel their creativity and enthusiasm for a key life skill. The goal is for girls to develop a confidence in the kitchen that will stay with them well beyond the last recipe enjoyed at school.

From September 2023, Food Preparation and Nutrition is offered as a GCSE subject. – www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk

The Wellington Academy

WELLINGTON PRIMARY ACADEMIES The Wellington Primary Academies marked an exciting start to the new term by welcoming in new caterers.

PS Catering aim to fuel learning through food, with their chefs using fresh ingredients from

local suppliers to deliver inviting meals for children.

They include lots of vegetables in their recipes and recognise that health by stealth is sometimes needed! For example, their homemade margherita pizza uses a 50/50 bread mix that has grated courgette and carrot in the base.

PS Catering has Food Councils set up at all of their schools, so pupils can have their own say on the recipes and even receive their own badges.

The exciting new themed menus have been designed to entice pupils to try new foods – which chimes with the Academies’ endeavours to provide an education for ‘the curious child’. The schools encourage pupils to explore by creating exciting and enriching experiences for them and

welcoming a new catering team will help them to do exactly that. n Staff from across the Ascend Learning Trust joined forces in a bid to create a fun way to battle it out for baking bragging rights. Each school was tasked with identifying their best baker in Years 6 and 7, with the winning dishes then invited to The Wellington Academy for a Bake Off final to determine the Trust’s star baker. Each student had to recreate their winning dish, followed by a surprise dish, swiss roll. The students were able to use a range of fresh ingredients to spice up their swiss roll.

Competitors got their very own wooden spoon, Bake Off stickers and certificate, along with the winner taking home a Star Baker branded apron.

Stonyhurst’s staunch support STONYHURST On Armed Forces Day, Stonyhurst announced that it had signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect in their communities, economy, and society for which they serve with their lives.

By signing the Covenant, Stonyhurst is reinforcing its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community by continuing to welcome forces families, fostering relationships between the school and the Armed Forces, and supporting employment opportunities for veterans, service spouses and partners.

In supporting those who serve, have served, and their families, Stonyhurst will seek to uphold the principles of the Covenant by: ● promoting that it is a military friendly organisation; ● enabling pupil bursaries to

●

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58 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

qualifying members of the Armed Forces community subject to standard procedures; supporting Armed Forces families throughout their time at Stonyhurst, particularly before, during and after a parent’s deployment supporting the employment of veterans, recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process; striving to support the employment of Service spouses and partners; offering a degree of flexibility in granting leave for Service spouses and partners before, during and after a partner’s deployment; supporting our employees who are members of the Reserve Forces; supporting any mobilisations and deployment; actively encouraging members of staff to become Reservists; supporting our employees

Education Allowance paying no who are volunteer leaders in more than 10 per cent of fees. military cadet organisations, Stonyhurst supports those granting additional leave who wish to pursue careers in to attend annual training the forces through its Combined camps and courses; actively encouraging members of staff Cadet Force (CCF), which was established in 1900 and is led by to become volunteer leaders a team of officers under a major in cadet organisations; assigned to the school. It meets supporting local military weekly and comprises platoons cadet units; recognising named after Stonyhurst’s seven the benefits of employing Victoria Cross winners. Pupils cadets/ex-cadets within the join the CCF in Lower Grammar workforce; (Year 9) with opportunities for ● actively supporting Armed leadership positions in their senior Forces Day, Reserves Day, years. Pupils are taught the core the Poppy Appeal Day and skills that the army provides; Remembrance activities. integrity, loyalty, leadership, and Stonyhurst has a long and discipline. A proud history of welcoming Forces families and it Stonyhurst recognises that forces life can disrupt the continuity of education for children and that a long-term, stable environment provides more opportunities to develop allround potential. The school has one of the most generous fee support packages of any school, with families in receipt of the Continuity of

4UJS )F^X Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall (3-13) - October 7th Stonyhurst College (13-18) - October 14th

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Generous fee support packages for serving forces families - pay just 10% of CEA Co-ed 3-18 | Boarding & Day Jesuit, Catholic School | www.stonyhurst.ac.uk

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BLOG Spot

Welcome to Army&You’s Blogspot. Write your thoughts about army life and send them to editor@aff.org.uk

The meaning of time apart BEST BLOG

I’ve known my husband for 21 years and we must have spent ten of those apart. Like so many military marriages, he comes and he goes; pre-deployment training, detachments, courses that last for months... the list goes on.

Before kids, separation was simpler.

He went away, life carried on; the only difference was the fabulous opportunity to starfish in the bed and the big hole he left in my heart. I missed him.

The meaning of ‘time apart’ is so different for me now we have children. The all-important detachment countdown ‘189 sleeps to go’ is key in getting us through the rough ride to homecoming and reunion.

When he leaves on one of his regular shorter trips away, the children and I wave him off with a smile, it’s easier to let him go when it’s not for long. My

Although I know it’s not easy secondary for him to maintain, they duty instantly still feel his love when he’s becomes not around, and that means ‘daddying’. I

BY STACEY HEART FORD everything to me. embrace my I feel so lucky the children dual role with enthusiasm, maintain this regular connection. I attempting to do all the things he remember a time when it wasn’t so usually does, minus the deep voice and easy – handwritten Blueys would take gigantic boots. I miss my own routine, an age to arrive, not a Facetime or and I try my best not to mess his up.

WhatsApp call in sight. It’s amazing for I am chief hugger, dubious chef, our children that they’re living in an age fixer of all things, ironer of school where they can still see their parent’s uniform (there’s a reason it’s usually face even if they’re far away; it makes his job), mower of lawns, taxi-driver time apart that much easier. extraordinaire, and I’m the one who Separation may be hard for us no makes sure the mobile phone and kids matter where he may be or for how are ready in time for his calls. long, but strangely, I feel grateful for He’s still a hands-on-dad where the time we’re not together. Ultimately, possible; despite the separation he being apart makes the time we spend dedicates time each day to phone together more precious; it makes us home, adopting the difficult role of who we are. A satellite parent with seeming ease.

Best blog

STACEY is our Best Blogger for this edition – she wins a three-month posy subscription to FlowerBe – a flower gifting service based in Penarth.

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letterboxes for more than three years.

They create beautiful posies daily with the sweetest selection of seasonal flowers and foliage that last two-tothree weeks in a vase. NB: Flower subscriptions do not include a vase. For more info, see flowerbe.co.uk

EVERY DAY IS A SCHOOL DAY education sector. The possibility of working It seems to me that army spouses and also enjoying holidays with my kids broadly fall into one of four employment was a massive tick in the box. categories: the doctors, teachers and On her advice, I started to scour physios who move their physical role websites and fell on a role as a marketing from one posting to the next; those assistant working term-time only at a who just need a laptop and an internet small girls’ independent connection to deliver; school nearby. I had little-tothe artisan workers who no experience of working frame, paint or upholster in marketing and feared, as wherever they’re based; many do, that my disjointed and then those of us CV would let me down. Four who change role with years on, I’m confident that a each new location, positive attitude – whether that seeking a job which be towards learning new skills, merely fits with ‘life’, working in a team or delivering whatever that might on objectives – far outweighs mean at the time. any supposedly essential Having left a career in

BY LIZ DAVIES capabilities outlined on a job retail to ‘trail my spouse’ description. Do not underestimate how to the Far East many years earlier, I arrived attractive the can-do, front-foot, capable back in the UK in 2019 looking for such a military mindset is to civilian employers. one-size-fits-all job. It was a chance book The education sector shares a club conversation with a patch friend who remarkable number of strands with the had recently secured a part-time, termmilitary and immediately felt like a familiar time only (gasp!) role at a local school fit. There’s a sense of altruism, with many that steered my thoughts towards the

working not primarily for the money but for the principle. There are block periods of leave and it shares many of the quirky behaviours that characterise the institutional life that we’re all familiar with.

My role involved managing multiple digital marketing platforms, copywriting, photography, events organisation, project management, and a whole load more! It was pretty demanding on my time and I consistently ended up working more than my contracted hours. My husband would argue that says more about me than my workplace, but education is definitely a world in which it feels as though the number of hours worked are never enough!

As we prepare for our next posting, I would reflect that working in education has been a hugely positive experience; mentally challenging, satisfyingly relational, full of opportunity for upskilling and hugely varied. There is great truth in the expression that ‘every day’s a school day’.

Little did I realise that that would be as true for me as an adult as it was as a child. A

Legal ambition When I became an army spouse – and step-mum to two young children – more than 15 years ago, my career in child protection and family court work gradually fell by the wayside as our own children came along and the demands of moving every few years really hit home.

In 2013 we were posted to Italy and whilst from a family perspective this was amazing, it firmly put a stop to my career.

I was extremely fortunate to have the option not to work and focus solely on our young family and where the next gelato was coming from! However, it was tough giving up my career, a significant part of my identity and purpose.

Fast-forward eight years and three moves later, a different country, another

baby and my husband approaching civvy street, I decided it was time to focus on me again.

So convinced that I would fail, I secretly embarked on a long-held ambition of a law degree. I genuinely worried whether my brain would work again after years of being CEO of the family; I had zero confidence in my intellectual ability.

Another few years on and I’m happy and proud to report that I did it… somehow! The cherry on top is that I’m now working in family law for Central Law CIC, a non-profit law firm. A lot of my work involves helping separated parents make appropriate arrangements for their children or finances – the firm also works

BY LIZ EDMUNDS pro bono for all soldiers based in Essex (and is expanding to other areas) who need support and advice with divorce or separation.

Maintaining relationships with children isn’t easy when significant distances, unpredictable working patterns, pressured environments and financial constraints are a regular feature.

So I suppose I’ve come full circle in my career, I’m just working with a different hat on now. And it’s so rewarding to be able to give something back to the community I have been a part of for so long. A Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 61

Dandelions

FOR THE YOUNGER MEMBERS OF YOUR ARMY FAMILY

EXPLORING EMOTIONS

Little Troopers has launched an online video series for parents as part of its dedicated Therapy Programme for military children.

The three short films feature qualified therapists from The Owl Therapy Centre as they explore the topics of deployment, moving home and school, and nurturing resilience. The

therapists explain the emotions that children might be struggling with and how their behaviour might change at home and in school, before offering practical information and advice.

Each video features activities that you can complete together to unpack your child’s feelings about military life and teach them new ways to cope with change and uncertainty.

It’s all free to access on the Little Troopers website thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. Visit littletroopers. net/little-troopers-therapy-programme

FRIENDS NEAR AND FAR

Never Such Innocence and the MOD Education Team welcomed winners of the Month of the Military Child ‘Friends Near and Far’ poetry and art competition to MOD Main Building in London to present their winning work Above: 6 to 8-year-old category winner, Amaya, and receive their certificates in collecting her certificate from the Minister for front of family, friends, teachers, Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison and Brig Dagless. members of the armed forces to Horse Guards Parade to visit and MOD officials.

11-14 winner, Kyla the horses in the stables and Brigadier Kirsten Dagless said: watch the dismount parade. This “It was an honour and a pleasure was the highlight of the day for one of the to present prizes to the army winners of the army winners, Kyla, who wrote her poem Month of the Military Child competition. The about horses! children’s work was outstanding and it was To view all of the winning work, head to a joy to hear them present their work on neversuchinnocence.com/month-of-thestage.” military-child Following the event, winners were invited

TANKS A LOT

There’s tonnes of fun to be had at The Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset, come rain or shine.

Outdoors there’s a brand new play area for adventurous mini-tank fans, while the museum brings history to life with live displays. There’s also loads to do inside with 300 tanks housed within ten powerful exhibitions suitable for all ages, with dressing up, games, model making, and hands-on activities.

Entry tickets include a 12-month pass – and service personnel can get in free with ID (excludes special events). tankmuseum.org 62 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Summer 2023

GOING FOR GOLD

To become an SSCE Cymru Armed Forces Friendly School, schools in Wales complete a series of activities and actions to achieve their bronze, then silver, then gold status.

It’s all linked to the SSCE Cymru School checklist – the objectives are to embed good practice for supporting service children, create a positive environment for them to share their experiences and encourage schools to connect with their armed forces community.

So far, 14 schools from all four regions in Wales have bronze status, three have silver, and two, Mount Street Infants School in Brecon and Ysgol Pen y Bryn in Colwyn Bay, have achieved gold status.

“I like our school being armed forces friendly,” explained one youngster from Pen Y Bryn. “All the children with a mum or dad who is the army, navy or RAF get to do fun things together. I got to talk about my family and do an assembly telling everyone about our experiences.”

More at sscecymru.co.uk

WIN

SENSE OF BELONGING

Jared Yorke is a proud member of Military Youth Voice Scotland (MYVS), a group that works with young people to find out what can be done to improve their lives as children of parents in the military.

A few times a year, MYVS brings service children together to share their personal viewpoints on big things that matter to them, including: Deployment of parents Moving house ● Dealing with home life when parents are away ● Changing schools/education systems ● ●

and use it to give young people an opportunity to have their voices heard by people who are in a position to make decisions that could benefit them,” says Jared, who is 17.

“Being part of MYVS has helped me to develop new skills, build confidence and make new friends who share similar experiences.

Joining the forum, going to residentials and helping to produce projects and campaigns that benefit young people from the armed forces community has given me a sense of purpose and belonging.”

Find out more at forceschildrenscotland.org.uk

“The adults that lead these sessions collect the information

Send a pic of yo ur children’s creations – of an ything related to military life – to editor@aff.org.u k to be in with a chan ce of winning a £25 Amazon vouche r and to feature in a future edition of Army&You. If yours doesn’t m ake it into print, we’ll post it on social @ ArmyandYou

Winnie, aged 6

STONEHENGE SALUTE

We absolutely love this artwork by six-yearold Winnie. Over the last year or so, her daddy’s Battery has fired gun salutes for royal events and her drawing shows her family next to the gun firing the salute at Stonehenge.

It even features the tiger honour title of 34 Seringaptam Battery RA. She was very proud of her daddy shouting ‘FIRE!’ Winnie is the winner of this edition’s creative comp and wins a £25 Amazon voucher.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

FEEL THE TENSION

Whether you’re travelling, camping, or visiting relatives, the portable Games 2 Go Tension, by Cheatwell is essential to pack.

Games 2 Go Tension tests players’ ability to think quickly and accurately. The challenge is to name ten examples of a given subject – it’s a simple concept, but the pressure of the ticking timer makes it incredibly exciting and fastpaced.

Ideal for small groups of friends or family and playable virtually anywhere, Games 2 Go Tension is perfect for long car rides, picnics or get-togethers. Click the QR to be in with a chance of winning one of three games we’re giving away to a lucky Dandelion!

express how they’re feeling,” she says.

Throughout the deployment period, At Mangotsfield C of E Primary sessions focus on creating paintings, School in Bristol, approximately 10 drawings or clay sculptures which per cent of its large population are are sent, along with any notes or from military families. As MOD liaison, photocopied schoolwork they want to Liz Mackenzie’s role is to support all share, to the deployed parent. service pupils…

“Being able to take our learners “A large part of my work is to support learners who are experiencing out of class once a week, even for a short period, gives them something to deployments,” explains Liz. “The prelook forward to as they know they’ll deployment period is a crucial one be creating something for someone as young people greatly benefit from special,” adds Liz. being prepared for the absence of a parent.”

At this stage, Liz meets them for around 20 minutes a week, playing games or getting stuck into some art. “I find that creating something makes Does your child’s everyone feel relaxed school go that extra and encourages mile to support service conversation, which children? Tell us about it to gives service children feature in a future edition a safe environment to – editor@aff.org.uk Army&You Summer 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 63

Poignant tribute

Giveaways WIN Click the giveaways tab at armyandyou.co.uk

Poetry in motion

Jennifer Mary Jones is a poet and military wife whose first book, Poetry Songbook, is being published this autumn.

A poetry journal, it is designed to fill you with inspiration. By helping you create your own poetry as you read, it enables you to experience becoming a writer yourself.

Jennifer wrote the poem Solidarity from the Sky, which features in her book, after her husband took part in a military parachute jump into Ukraine in autumn 2020 to show solidarity to the Ukrainian people. She says: “I am so proud of him and in awe of what he does in life. He is so full of courage, determination, and dedication to his work. He who dares…” Read the poem by scanning the QR code.

Three lucky readers will win a copy of Poetry Songbook, available from 10 October via heartmindsoldier.yoga.

Cute confetti As a Royal Signals spouse, Gabriella Mitchell created Signet Confetti out of the necessity to generate an income while balancing postings, exercises and childcare… a challenge that so many military spouses face!

Signet Confetti is a zerowaste confetti company which takes floristry

and local flower waste, giving it a new lease of life as beautiful confetti and wedding favours, neatly packaged in elegant, personalised glassine bags.

One lucky bride or bridegroom can win 10 fully personalised packets of confetti.

To find out more head over to Facebook or Instagram @signetconfetti.

HOW TO ENTER: Click the giveaways tab at armyandyou.co.uk and follow the links. One entry per household per giveaway.

Closing date for entries is 5 November 2023 unless otherwise stated. See page three for competition rules. Your information will not be used for marketing purposes. Winners’ names and T&Cs are published on the Army&You website.

64 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

Jacqueline Hurley is one of the country’s foremost Remembrance artists.

Her powerful and poignant work is her tribute to our heroes in the armed forces and a remembrance to all those fallen and injured in past campaigns.

Her work has been exhibited at the National Memorial Arboretum and the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance. Since 2014, her artwork has helped to raise more than £290,000 for military charities.

She also designs beautiful remembrance accessories, and one lucky reader could win an umbrella and scarf worth £65.

To see more of her work visit poshoriginalart.co.uk

Cotswold charm

WIN

a cha after mpagn e no for twon tea o

Nestled in the charming Cotswold countryside, Barnsley House was once home to revered garden designer Rosemary Verey.

Her legacy carries on today with the grounds being a classic example of an English country garden that evolves with the seasons.

With knot gardens, statues by Simon Verity and a working kitchen garden that supplies much of the produce found on the menus at The Potager restaurant and village pub, The Boot, there are four acres of carefully tended grounds to amble through and discover.

You could win a champagne afternoon tea for two at Barnsley House, worth £90. www.barnsleyhouse.com

If Parkinson’s or Essential Tremor interferes with your daily life, there is new hope.

MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound is a pioneering incisionless treatment that can help you regain control of your life.

In collaboration with specialists from the World-renowned National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, we offer safe and effective private treatment from our state-of-the-art facility in Central London.

Contact us today to begin your journey. treatment@queensquare.com 020 7833 2513 www.queensquare.com

Army&You Autumn 2023 | armyandyou.co.uk | 65

Book Club

Army & You and Reading Force Book Club, have fun sharing books!

Arty impressions In this edition’s Army&You and Reading Force Book Club, service youngsters tell us what they thought of Art is Everywhere by Joe Haddow & Ellie Hawes…

WE LOVED reading Art is Everywhere together. It gave us a whole new perspective on art itself and what art is. Because art is not just the paintings or sculptures in a museum or art gallery. It is so much more, and it is everywhere around us.

Published by: UCLan Publishing Each ‘artform’ has its own chapter and gave us so much to talk about and explore.

Joe doesn’t just talk about his favourite artists but also gives ideas on how to research each artform further, and where to start if we wanted to give these - UIBD - UI UIBD D \BDGYHUWB$57 SGI \ \BDGYHUWB$ \B DGYHUW $57 SGI $57 SGI

different arts a go ourselves.

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Have fun with your family

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Share a book and chat

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aI loved doing Reading Force with all my family because it brought everyone together!b

THIS BOOK isn’t a fiction book, but it isn’t really a non-fiction book either! But it is a collection of artists’ talents and work, with different fonts and sizes that make it easier to read.

I would highly recommend this book because it is different from other books I have read and it also taught me that art is everywhere.

CONRAD (9)

READING FORCE is the free shared reading initiative for forces families where you can share a book and talk about it, together at home or via video call if separated. You’ll receive a free book and scrapbook to fill in with your thoughts, letters, drawings and photographs. It’s a fun way to keep connected.

Teens receive a special journal. Take part via your children’s school, HIVE, or register online at readingforce.org.uk

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aThe stickers and the theme of the journal are perfect.b

Sign up at

www.readingforce.org.uk and we’ll send you FREE books and resources for your children and teens

Follow our Facebook page for book giveaways ReadingForce

Reading the chapter about music was eye-opening. I (Lukas) play piano and to realise I am making art while

playing was astonishing.

And I (Aden) loved reading about Banksy and his form of expression in his art as well as hearing more about Liz Pichon, who created my favourite book series about a boy named Tom Gates.

We would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about art.

Whether that is writing, acting, dancing, or painting, Joe will open your eyes to the world of art in this fantastic book and show you how colourful this world of ours really is!

HAVE FUN SHARING BOOKS

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ADEN (14) & LUKAS (10)

If your ch would ildren like to review b A&Y Bo ooks for the hattie@ ok Club, em ail rea uk wit dingforce.or h their g. n and ag ames es

readingforce

ReadingForce

Reading Force is a registered charity No. 1159890

66 | armyandyou.co.uk | Army&You Autumn 2023

Win

Enter our giveaway to win a copy of Art is Everywhere and a Reading Force scrapbook. See page three for entry rules. Already read it? Tell us your thoughts @ArmyandYou

Kit & Personal Possessions Insurance

Scan for more

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• Laptop & Mobile Cover - up to £1500 per item^ • No charges for paying monthly

• Up to £40k worldwide cover for your military issued kit, temporary kit and personal possessions

Visit forcesmutual.org/kit Call 0151 363 5290 ^Electronic devices such as laptops and mobile phones are covered up to £1,500 per item as standard, and valuables and pedal cycles up to £3,000 per item. Items above these values need to be specified on your policy schedule.

Kit & Personal Possessions insurance is arranged by Motorplus Limited t/a Coplus and underwritten by Collinson Insurance Limited (a trading name of Astrenska Insurance Limited).

PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The firm is on Financial Services Register, registration number 114942. Registered in England & Wales number 1073408. Registered Office: 80 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BY.

KITADVERT (0823)

WE SUPPORT SOLDIERS, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN NEED Our whole person, whole life approach ensures we are here to support members of the Army family through all of life’s challenges – whether that involves bereavement, injury, getting back to work, elderly care and much more.

To learn more about our work and to discover all of the ways you can help us raise funds for soldiers, veterans and their families visit SOLDIERSCHARITY.ORG

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (SC039189) and registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609).

SUPPORT US AND YOU SUPPORT THE WHOLE ARMY FAMILY