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Pupils & learning

Supporting Service children

Guidance for governing boards exploring the challenges faced by children of serving and ex-Armed Forces personnel.

Guidance
29/11/2023
Pupils-learning pupil writing at front of the class

Schools and trusts have a statutory duty to pay due regard to the needs, challenges and barriers faced by children of serving and ex-Armed Forces personnel.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) define Service children as those (including adopted children) under the age of 18, who are children of Service members or Service partners – including both serving and veteran families – and any other children under the age of 18 that are otherwise the responsibility of Service members or Service partners.

The Service pupil premium (SPP) was introduced by the Department for Education (DfE) to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by Service children.

Use our guide to supporting Service children to learn about:

  • the specific needs of service children
  • how to spend service pupil premium funding
  • the governing board's role
  • how schools provide effective support for Service children
  • questions to ask about the support and SPP spending

With thanks to the Service Children’s Progression (SCiP) Alliance and the Ministry of Defence for contributing to this guide.

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