BRUNEI FOR Service families stationed in British Forces Brunei, Treetops nursery provides a great setting for
children aged three and under. The unit move between 1 Royal Gurkha Regiment and 2 Royal Gurkha Regiment last summer led to a significant change of both
children and staff. Treetops manager Kate Campbell said: “Before their arrival, we contacted the nursery back in Folkestone to find out as much information about the incoming children
and their individual needs. “We have been fortunate to recruit new talent for the nursery from those who were employed in nurseries in Folkestone, who already knew the children. This
GOING LOCAL MOVING to an isolated posting overseas can be both a great opportunity and a big challenge for Army families with children under five. It’s a chance for youngsters to experience a different culture, but it also takes time to pick up a new language and make friends, so the settling in process may take longer. AFF’s European Joint Support Unit Co-ordinator, Vic Porter, said support will depend on the posting location, adding: “It’s likely that there won’t be an MOD school or nursery, so you’ll have to link into the
host nation’s provision, which will probably have a different system. “In Italy and Belgium for example, local children don’t start compulsory education until they’re six.” The admission process can be daunting, but advice is at hand through your local community and the Children’s Education Advisory Service. You can also apply for the Overseas Nursery Allowance to cover the 15 hours you would get for free in England and Wales. “There are options for childcare, it’s just harder than
Growing the community PROVISION for under-fives in Kenya had previously been limited, but significant
changes have been made to improve things for the growing number of families
has helped enormously in settling the children in.” The nursery has helped to ensure strong relationships are built right from the beginning, even through times of change.
Drawdown challenge
I was anticipating,” said one Belgium-based Army spouse. “Having confidence in the local language helps and it widens your options.” If you have any concerns, contact Vic at ejsu@aff.org. uk or CEAS at DCYP-CEASEnquiries@mod.uk
posted to BATUK. Earlier this year, AWS community development worker Maggie Newman delivered an adult training package on themes such as safeguarding, session planning and risk assessments, giving people in the community the tools to run their own groups for youngsters. AFF’s Kenya Coordinator Sarah Brown explained: “One successful group – Mums & Tots – is led by Army spouse
Zoe Major. “There are activities like pizza making and painting, while mums and dads have time to chat. “A new play park has also been developed to create a place for newcomers to meet each other, and further improvements are planned including a visit and regular Skype sessions with a health visitor for advice and development monitoring.” If you have any issues or questions, send an email to kenya@aff.org.uk
WITH all Army families set to return to the UK in the next few years, childcare provision in Germany is both a challenge and an opportunity. There are concerns over nursery staff moving out of BFG, particularly key persons who play a vital role in supporting children. MOD schools are well-versed in the impact of mobility, however, and in many ways these challenges are not new ones. The schools in BFG are committed to ensuring that staffing levels are maintained. “A transition team has been created which has representatives from all settings that provide education and childcare in the 0-5 age bracket,” said AFF’s Regional Manager Germany, Katy Brookfield. “The team aims to ensure that your child receives the best possible care right up until the gates are closed.” All Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) leaders in BFG agree that there are bound to be concerns and invite you to come and talk to them about any problems you may have. Amy Wright, EYFS leader at Attenborough School in Sennelager, told us: “We are going to do our utmost to ensure we continue to offer excellence every day.” If you have any questions about childcare in Germany, contact AFF’s BFG team (see page three) or go to bfgnet.de
AFF is aware that planning ahead and finding out what’s available in advance of your overseas posting is not always easy and we’re looking at ways around this. If you need information, contact your local AFF co-ordinator – details on page three. www.armyandyou.co.uk
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