Location: Weeton Camp - on car park opposite Honeypot nursery
Time: 1300hrs - 1330hrs
Next visit:
- Wednesday 9th September 2026
- Wednesday 30th September 2026
Information provided by Weeton HIVE
July 31, 2026
Weeton: LCC Mobile Library - upcoming dates
Location: Weeton Camp - on car park opposite Honeypot nursery
Time: 1300hrs - 1330hrs
Northern Ireland: Job Opportunity - Employment Consultant to join Northern Ireland team - closing date 16 Aug 26
Employment Consultant (Northern Ireland) | £32,000
Looking for a rewarding career supporting the Armed Forces community? Forces Employment Charity is seeking an Employment Consultant to join its team in Northern Ireland, helping Service leavers, veterans and their families transition successfully into civilian careers.
Salary: £32,000
Location: Northern Ireland (travel required)
Closing Date: 16 August
About the Role
As an Employment Consultant, you will:
✅ Build and maintain relationships with employers and partner organisations
✅ Secure employment, training and vocational opportunities for Service leavers and veterans
✅ Provide tailored advice, guidance and support to individuals during resettlement
✅ Help Armed Forces personnel achieve sustainable employment outcomes
We're Looking ForStrong communication and relationship-building skills
Experience in employer engagement, recruitment, account management or employment support
Good understanding of local labour markets and employment opportunities
Confidence using Microsoft Office and CRM/case management systems
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about making a positive difference to the Armed Forces community while working with employers across Northern Ireland.
🔗 Apply now: https://forcesemployment.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=18678ba3-a16d-44ca-a0eb-933d0e93b4fc
Forces Employment Charity welcomes applications from military spouses, partners, veterans and members of the wider Armed Forces community.
Nexus Project: Summer Newsletter
Welcome to the summer edition of the Nexus newsletter, where you will find information about:
- Staff updates
- Youth Voice updates
- Young Carers Festival 2026
- Professionals network including: Nexus webinar series
- Project Closure: Resource and Training Needs
- New Resources
- Upcoming resources & Project Legacy
- Useful links
DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 30 July 2026
Hundreds of New SFA Homes purchased at Imjin Barracks
Hundreds of brand-new homes have been completed at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire, marking an important milestone in the MOD’s plans to improve housing for Service personnel and their families.
DIO have purchased a total of 281 homes near Imjin Barracks, home to NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. These homes were purchased by the DIO from existing developments built by Taylor Wimpey, Bloor Homes and Bovis Homes.
Construction began in 2023 and was delivered in phases, allowing Service families to move in as soon as their homes were ready. Some families have now been enjoying their new homes for almost two years.
These homes have been designed with sustainability in mind. Features include energy-saving solar panels, low-carbon heating systems, smart heating controls and electric vehicle charging points. These modern features are helping Service families reduce their energy use and, in some cases, lower their household bills.
For further information, see the full article on Defence Homes here
Pre-move out and move-out appointment reminder
We know that moving can be a busy and sometimes stressful time, and that plans can change unexpectedly. If you are unable to attend your pre-move out or move out appointment, you can change your appointment on the e-1132 system.
Attending these appointments, or providing advance notice if you can't make them, helps ensure your move out process runs as smoothly as possible
Tune in to Housing Matters Podcast
Episode two of the brand-new podcast, Housing Matters is out now. The podcast lifts the lid on military housing and the issues that matter most to Service Personnel and their families.
Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and DIO Operations Manager South, Sebastian O’Hara, will be joined by special guests each week sharing their unique perspectives, experiences and expertise on all things military housing.
The first two episodes are now available. In the latest episode, we hear from John Reynolds, Army Military Housing Liaison Officer, and Stephanie Jervis from DIO Accommodation, who is also a military spouse and has lived in Service Family Accommodation for more than 18 years. Together, they share helpful guidance for families at every stage of military life, from moving home to simple ways to make a house feel like home.
You can watch episode one and two now.
So grab a cup of tea, press play and join us each week for Housing Matters.
Summer safety – travelling over the summer
With the school holidays upon us, many of our families will be thinking about going away, whether that's a staycation or holiday abroad. If you’ll be away from your home for a period of time, we recommend the following steps to keep your home safe:
- Hot weather can cause burst pipes, so it’s recommended to turn your water off using your stopcock while you are away. The stopcock is the little tap or lever on pipes that are often found under your sink.
- Turn off and unplug electricals like your TV and small kitchen appliances like kettles and microwaves to reduce bills and to reduce the risk of an electrical fire.
- Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to look after your house keys so they can make checks on your home while you are away.
Families First newsletter
The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website
July 30, 2026
Defence News Update: Service Prosecuting Authority - Independent and informed
Service Prosecuting Authority: Independent and informed
Nine months into the job, Director of Service Prosecutions, Mary Cowe reflects on her role and the work of the Service Prosecuting Authority within the Service Justice System.
I became the Director of Service Prosecutions in October 2025, attracted to a role where I feel I can make a real difference. The Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) is small – with 48 members of staff, including 18 prosecutors – but its work has significant stature.
If the SPA is a new acronym for you, it is essentially the Armed Forces' equivalent of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) – dealing only with suspects subject to service law and service discipline.
What makes it distinct is that the SPA is part of a single deployable Service Justice System (SJS), operating at home and abroad, in peacetime and in wartime. Whether reporting an offence or being accused, Service personnel know their case will be treated in line with UK law – helping the government fulfil its obligations under international law. In some cases, we are the only means through which allegations can be tested and resolved overseas.
There is a view held by some that the SPA represents the Armed Forces 'marking its own homework'. We will always face scrutiny because the SPA is funded by the MOD and many of our prosecutors are in uniform. But we sit within the department for financial and operational reasons only. We prosecute for the Crown, just like the CPS, and our independence is well understood and respected within Defence.
I take that independence very seriously. As a civilian entirely independent from the chain of command, nobody – however senior, whether military or a Defence civil servant – can direct who or what I prosecute. I operate under the oversight of the Attorney General (the government's most senior law officer), not Defence Ministers – and my role is to ensure the SPA delivers impartial, high-quality decisions that withstand public scrutiny.
An informed approach
The work of the SPA supports operational effectiveness. Swiftly deciding whether to prosecute and bringing cases to Court Martial enables all involved – where appropriate – to return to supporting Defence, with as little time as possible spent in uncertainty.
Our prosecutors in uniform approach evidence from those who were at sea, deployed on operations, or serving in training establishments, with real-world experience of those environments.
Service context for offending often makes it more serious too, given the impact on operational effectiveness, unit cohesion, and public trust. There is a clear understanding within the SPA that protecting the reputation of our Armed Forces means identifying and prosecuting criminal behaviour – and never ignoring or downplaying it.
Speed to justice and low attrition
Specialist expertise, operational understanding and lower case volumes mean the SJS can progress cases more quickly than the civilian Criminal Justice System (CJS).
Victims of serious sexual offences in the SJS can typically expect their cases to be heard within around six months of charge. The Crown Court currently has around 80,000 outstanding cases, with some trials not listed until 2030 at the worst affected courts. The Court Martial has no backlog.
Victim withdrawals from the SJS are also very low. I believe this reflects well on the quality of support the Defence Serious Crime Command's Victim Witness Care Unit provides, with the same dedicated Victim Liaison Officer staying with each victim from start to finish. That is a level of support that independent inspectors said they would like to see available to all victims in the civilian system.
Recognised robust decision making
Serve & Protect Credit Union: Financial wellbeing information
The not-for-profit organisation offers the option to save regularly through payroll and access responsible borrowing if needed.
Prepare for every stage of life
From managing everyday costs to preparing for major life moments, having the right support can make a real difference.
That’s why Serve and Protect want to remind you of one of the staff benefits you can access – Serve and Protect Credit Union. Whether you’re saving, planning ahead or managing life changes, support is available.
Visit the Serve and Protect website for more info: sandpcu.co.uk/plan-ahead
Fife: Fife Council free School meals and school clothing grant applications now open for 2026-2027
Applications for school clothing grants and free school meals are open for 2026-27.
We can provide free school meals and a school clothing grant if you are on a low income. The school clothing grant is £130 per child for primary school pupils and £160 per child for high school pupils.
Applications for the new school year (2026/2027) opened on 1 May 2026.
For more, and to find out if you qualify, visit www.fife.gov.uk/schoolbenefit
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Northern Ireland - Royal Air Force, RAF Town Shows - Enniskillen 4th - 5th September
Enniskillen 4th - 5th September
Find out more: https://jobs.raf.mod.uk/49MlA4H
#RAFTOWNSHOW
Information provided by HIVE NI
July 29, 2026
Vale of Glamorgan: Volunteering Opportunity for the Food Share Pantry Project
Click poster to enlarge.
Volunteering Opportunity!
Glamorgan Voluntary Services (GVS) are looking for volunteer drivers to help collect food donations from supermarkets for the Food Share Pantry project!
Your support will help reduce food waste and provide essential items to those in need.
The FoodShare Pantry in Llantwit Major is a community project that tackles food insecurity by offering affordable, healthy food while preventing surplus food from going to landfill.
Can you lend a hand?
Please contact nicola@gvs.wales
Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub
Northern Ireland: Young Aviators Day at Ulster Aviation Society - Saturday 22nd August
It’s a full day of learning, discovery, and a circuit flight for every participant. Open to members and non-members
*Ages 11-17yrs
If you have a future pilot at home, this is the day they've been waiting for.
for an application: events@ulsterflyingclub.com
*Ages 11-17yrs
If you have a future pilot at home, this is the day they've been waiting for.
for an application: events@ulsterflyingclub.com
Information provided by HIVE NI
Corsham: Summer Staycation Leaflet from Corsham Town Council
You can pick up a paper copy at the Town Hall or download the online version at the following link: Summer Staycation Leaflet 2026
Highlights include:
- Family Festival Fun Day at St Barts (Sat 1 Aug)
- Free scooter and skateboard event (Thu 13 Aug)
- Free guided family bike ride event (Sun 23 Aug)
- Mungo Trail
- Free swimming
- Corsham Street Fair (Sat 12 Sep)
Information provided by Colerne HIVE
DIO: Families First Issue 40 Published
Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/
Edinburgh: The Royal British Legion Scotland Community Coffee morning Tuesday 11th August 10:30-12:00
click on image to enlarge
Fancy another Cuppa?Come join us for our 4th Coffee Morning 🎉
Whether you're a veteran, Legion member, family member, carer, or represent a local organisation, we'd love to welcome you. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet others, build new connections, learn about local support services, and strengthen partnerships within our community.
Northern Ireland: JAMBOREE - 5 weekends of free family fun - 1-31 August 2026
A MINI FAMILY FESTIVAL...
Get ready for JAMBOREE! – bringing five weekends of free entertainment, creative workshops, live performances and family fun to Victoria Square.
Every weekend has its own exciting theme, with something new to discover. From Irish music and dancing to flower power crafts, retro games and nostalgic 80s and 90s fun, JAMBOREE! is the perfect weekend outing for families of all ages.
Alongside themed activities, enjoy our vibrant JAMBOREE Fayre packed with fantastic local traders, treats and unique finds.
For more Information Click Here
CTP Employment Fair - Elgin - 6th August 2026
CTP Employment Fairs are open to:
Service leavers, Veterans, Reservists, Partners and spouses
Service leavers/veterans/Reservists: To find out more and to reserve a place, please visit: https://www.modctp.co.uk/home/list-events
Family members: Register via email to CTP.events@reed.com
Alternatively register via the Forces Employment Charity (FEC): Link and click 'REGISTER' from the menu.
Next upcoming dates are:
Salford - 10 Sept
Bournemouth - 24 Sept
Belfast - 14 Oct
Cardiff - 5 Nov
Telford - 19 Nov
To view all 2026 CTP Employment Fair locations and dates, please go to: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/2026/01/career-transition-partnership-2026.html
Service leavers/veterans/Reservists: To find out more and to reserve a place, please visit: https://www.modctp.co.uk/home/list-events
Family members: Register via email to CTP.events@reed.com
Alternatively register via the Forces Employment Charity (FEC): Link and click 'REGISTER' from the menu.
Next upcoming dates are:
Salford - 10 Sept
Bournemouth - 24 Sept
Belfast - 14 Oct
Cardiff - 5 Nov
Telford - 19 Nov
To view all 2026 CTP Employment Fair locations and dates, please go to: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/2026/01/career-transition-partnership-2026.html
July 28, 2026
Support resources, including during Block Leave: Stay Connected
The following guidance applies during both leave periods and working periods:
- Make time for people – Stay connected with family, friends and colleagues. Checking in on a friend, spending quality time with loved ones or reaching out to someone you have not spoken to for a while can make a real difference.
- Look out for yourself and others – Resilience is strengthened through connection, belonging and support. Encourage people to reach out when they need help and take the time to check in on those who may be spending leave alone.
Please contact HIVE if further information may assist.
Fife: Children and Young People's support line - Fife Women's Aid
We also have a dedicated Children and Young People's team, and offering counselling to children. Our Children and Young Person’s (CYP) counselling service is available for children and young people up to the age of 18 who have been affected by domestic abuse.
Play therapy is used with younger children and talking therapies are used with teenagers.
The service can be available for up to 20 sessions and is offered in a range of settings across Fife.
Our counselling service is affiliated to COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland).
To make a referral please call us on our Freephone number
0808 801 0422
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Protecting Grey Matter - Mental Health support
Click to enlarge.
Protected Grey Matter Poster
For more information on any of the resources within this poster, please contact your nearest HIVE or use the 'contact Army HIVE' facility on the right hand side menu of this Blog.
For more information on any of the resources within this poster, please contact your nearest HIVE or use the 'contact Army HIVE' facility on the right hand side menu of this Blog.
Northern Ireland: Out of this world adventure - W5 Space Explorer Academy - open until 31 Aug 26
Blast off on an out-of-this-world adventure this summer at the W5 Space Explorer Academy.
Step into an immersive training mission where young astronauts can embark on a journey beyond the stars. Take on cosmic challenges, test your skills through hands-on missions, and discover what it takes to become a true explorer of the universe. From countdown to launch, to interstellar discoveries, every experience is designed to ignite curiosity and fuel imagination.
Perfect for families, this action-packed adventure brings the thrill of space exploration to life right here at W5. Suit up, and prepare for lift-off. This is one mission you won’t want to miss.
This experience will be running daily until 31 August.
W5 - Space activities will run at selected times from 10am-6pm. Check times on arrival to W5.
This experience is included with general admission summer saver tickets. Pre-booking your visit to W5 is essential.
*Please note that W5 is closed on Monday 13 July 2026.
For more information and to book your tickets CLICK HERE
July 27, 2026
Catterick: Bereavement Groups
A gentle, supportive space to sit with others who understand. Whether your loss is recent or many years past, you are welcome to come for conversation, quiet and a cup of tea or coffee. All welcome at our groups this week
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Darlington: Players Wanted for Darlington Railway Athletic Women
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Richmond: FREE - Let's Play Rounders!
It's Wednesday rounders for the next 5 weeks at Richmondshire Rugby Club.
Open to all over 18s and all equipment provided. Sociable, adaptable and most of all fun.
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Serve & Protect Credit Union: August Webinars
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Serve & Protect Credit Union: August Webinars
🌍 Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills
Date: Thursday 6th August
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Tips for living a greener life to save money and protect the planet!
🐖 Saving Made Simple: Practical Tips to Boost Your Savings
Date: Wednesday 12th August
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Explore 10 practical savings methods that anyone can apply to build a healthy savings cushion
✍ Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
Date: Thursday 13th August
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Create a budget that meets your short and long-term financial goals, plus tips to cut your spending
🦈 Responsible Lending: How We Can Stop Loan Sharks Together
Date: Monday 17th August
Time: 12:00-13:00
What to Expect: Discover the warning signs and impact of loan sharks with representatives from Stop Loan Sharks
🛡 Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters
Date: Wednesday 19th August
Time: 12:00-13:00
What to Expect: Understand why financial resilience matters and hear some simple, practical tips to help you improve it
🚀 Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score
Date: Thursday 20th August
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Understand the importance of looking after your credit score, plus actionable tips to improve yours
💸 Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application
Date: Tuesday 25th August
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Understand what happens throughout the journey of a loan application, some of the key factors lenders evaluate, and what to do before you apply
🔗 Register for free here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars
🌍 Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills
Date: Thursday 6th August
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Tips for living a greener life to save money and protect the planet!
🐖 Saving Made Simple: Practical Tips to Boost Your Savings
Date: Wednesday 12th August
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Explore 10 practical savings methods that anyone can apply to build a healthy savings cushion
✍ Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
Date: Thursday 13th August
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Create a budget that meets your short and long-term financial goals, plus tips to cut your spending
🦈 Responsible Lending: How We Can Stop Loan Sharks Together
Date: Monday 17th August
Time: 12:00-13:00
What to Expect: Discover the warning signs and impact of loan sharks with representatives from Stop Loan Sharks
🛡 Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters
Date: Wednesday 19th August
Time: 12:00-13:00
What to Expect: Understand why financial resilience matters and hear some simple, practical tips to help you improve it
🚀 Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score
Date: Thursday 20th August
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Understand the importance of looking after your credit score, plus actionable tips to improve yours
💸 Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application
Date: Tuesday 25th August
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Understand what happens throughout the journey of a loan application, some of the key factors lenders evaluate, and what to do before you apply
🔗 Register for free here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars
Hexham: Blue Light Discount at Inspired Pots
Eligible members can receive 10% off pottery for their whole table, Monday to Friday, during standard studio painting sessions.
Whether you are planning a relaxed catch-up with friends, spending time with family or simply looking for a quiet couple of hours painting, we would love to welcome you to our Hexham pottery studio.
Our Blue Light and Defence Discount10% off pottery for your whole table
Available Monday to Friday
Valid during standard studio painting sessions
Available to Blue Light Card and Defence Discount Service members
Simply show your valid membership when paying
The discount applies to everyone included in the cardholder’s standard table booking, rather than only the cardholder’s own pottery
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
July 23, 2026
North Yorkshire: Free guided walks in the Yorkshire Dales - August and September
Three dates available for this free National Lottery funded guided walk in the Yorkshire Dales, led by a qualified Nick Rowe Mountain Leader.
The route takes in the stunning escarpment north of Reeth with panoramic views over Arkengarthdale and Swaledale -- one of the finest viewpoints in the northern Dales. Moderate to hard grade with uneven terrain, gates, stiles, and a steep descent through an old lead mining area. You need to be a confident walker comfortable on hilly ground.
Monday 24th August - 8 spaces
Monday 7th September - 10 spaces
Wednesday 16th September - 10 spaces
All walks start at 10:00am from Dales Bike Centre, Reeth. Free parking on site. Bring boots, waterproofs, water, packed lunch, and a camera.
Completely free. Funded by the National Lottery. Book your place
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Ripon: Join our New Men's Book Club with Ripon Library
We're excited to announce that in celebration of the National Year of Reading, we will be starting up a new men's book club this September!
Whether you're a lifelong bookworm of haven't picked up a novel in years, join this new book club and connect with other readers in a relaxed and friendly setting.
To express your interest in joining this group, please pop into the library or email us - ripon.library@northyorks.gov.uk
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
York: FREE Support and Educational courses for parents in the York area in Autumn
Please see the attached link for information on free support and educational courses and sessions for parents and carers by Family Matters York.
Including: Time out for parents of children aged 0-5, time out for parents of children with autism, handling anger in the family, screen time in the digital world, and relationship support.
https://mailchi.mp/.../parenting-courses-april-may...
https://mailchi.mp/.../parenting-courses-april-may...
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Recruit for Spouses: Your Summer Refresher – How RFS Supports You
Recruit for Spouses have a Summer newsletter with information about their support programmes and how they can help in terms of both employment and wellbeing.
To read the newsletter in full, please go to: Your Summer Refresher: How RFS Supports You
July 22, 2026
Corsham: Free Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship fundamentals programme coming in April 2027 for Military Spouses
- Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship
- 13 April 2027 - 8 June 2027
- In-person, Corsham Court, Wiltshire
- Free
You’ll cover key topic areas such as:
- Identifying your strengths and digital direction
- Freelancer 101
- Digital marketing fundamentals
- Social media fundamentals
- AI awareness
- Creative strategy
- Design thinking for entrepreneurs
- Brand discovery
- Employment, freelance, business pathways
The course is free to learners thanks to funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
Eligibility: Participants must be 18+ and a partner/ spouse of a current serving member of the UK armed forces.
To apply: Places are limited. To secure a place please complete this short Expression of Interest Form here: Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship Programme Expression of Interest
For full information please see: Marketing and Entrepreneurship - Bath Spa University
Questions? Get in touch at shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk
Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs
Bovington: The tank museum brings the tank story to London - Special event Sat 28th Nov. Tickets available now!
Credit: Tankmuseum
The Tank Museum in Dorset, is heading to London for one night only in a brand-new event on the London stage.
For the first time, The Tank Museum will be joined by acclaimed historians and broadcasters Al Murray and James Holland on a London stage exploring the history - and future - of the tank.
Taking to the Royal Geographical Society’s Ondaatje Theatre on 28 November 2026, Al Murray, James Holland, and Tank Museum experts will examine the role of the tank across some of the most significant conflicts of the last century, including the First World War, the Second World War, and the Cold War.
In addition to covering the last century’s significant armoured conflicts, speakers will look to the future and consider the changing nature of warfare and whether the tank will continue to dominate tomorrow's battlefields.
The event will begin at 7.30pm. Standard admission tickets are £35, and Friends of The Tank Museum save 20% on tickets. Limited tickets available, book now HERE
The Tank Museum’s website: The Tank Story - The Tank Museum.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Scotland: Moving to Scotland? Need to know about Special Educational Needs and the support available?
Enquire is the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning.
Providing easy to understand advice and information about additional support for learning legislation and guidance for families and professionals.
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
July 21, 2026
New early years childcare scheme, UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) to launch from September 2026
Please note that some links within this article are only accessible to those with MODnet and Defence Connect access.
Are you planning to use Defence childcare schemes from September?
Information and updates about new and existing Defence childcare schemes.
UKNA is a new Defence childcare scheme that will support eligible working Service families who live in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It will reimburse the difference in early years childcare costs, matching the “free” (Government funded) childcare hours they would be entitled to if assigned to England.
Note: UKNA does not provide childcare spaces, it is a reimbursement of costs incurred when eligible working families pay for early years childcare.
For detailed policy information including the eligibility criteria search ‘UK Nursery Authority’ at DINs Search (Defnet) or Group: Defence Instruction Notices - DIN's | Defence Connect.
Why is UKNA being introduced?
Defence recognises the importance of supporting service families. Service families can be assigned anywhere in the world, however the funded early years childcare offer differs across the UK. Families assigned to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland receive fewer Government funded childcare hours than similar working families in England or those assigned overseas. UKNA has been developed to address this difference for working families.
Defence remains committed to supporting our dedicated personnel who serve to protect our nation, alongside our families who make extraordinary sacrifices to support them.
See the UKNA announcement (March 2026)
Who is eligible for UKNA?
- Regular or Full-Time Reserve Service (Full Commitment) personnel.
- The family lives in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Both parents or a sole parent in a lone parent family meets the minimum earnings threshold of at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the UK National Minimum or Living Wage.
- Either parent or a sole parent in a lone parent family does not exceed the maximum earnings threshold of £100,000 adjusted net income per year.
- Child is recorded and verified on JPA.
- An active Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) account is in place for the child. Active means that parents reconfirm eligibility every 3 months and receive the top up from HMRC when they add money to the account.
- The childcare provider accepts TFC payments; all UKNA claims must first be paid via the child’s active TFC account.
- Child lives with the Service parent for at least 50% of the time except when separated for service reasons.
Registration information will be available from September 2026.
To get ready for registration, check that:
- You meet the eligibility criteria
- Your child has an active Tax-Free Childcare account
- Your child is recorded on JPA.
UKNA claims information
The number of hours that can be claimed via the UKNA reimbursement scheme differs between locations because the Government offers in those locations differ:
- For children aged between 9 months and 2 years old, eligible families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can claim up to 30 hours per week for 38 weeks per year.
- In Northern Ireland, families with children aged 3 can claim up to 30 hours weekly for 38 weeks, while those with 4-year-olds can claim up to 17.5 hours per week for 38 weeks per year.
You can find further information about UKNA and grossing up on the Defence Childcare Information Page.
Information about how to submit claims will be added prior to the scheme launch.
UKNA bedding-in
UKNA is a new scheme, and as it is implemented, some minor adjustments may be required where aspects have not been fully captured in the guidance or are not working as intended. We have a mailbox that is monitored Monday to Friday, so if you have any questions about the scheme that we haven’t covered, or if you notice that something isn’t quite right, please let us know, our email address is included at the bottom of this article. There will be no changes to the policy rules, however your feedback will help us to make amendments to guidance where needed, which may help other families using the scheme.
We will be holding a Q&A session for families in September, so please look out for that being advertised.
Early years funded childcare overseas
All families in England with children aged 3 to 4 years old, and 2-year-old children, in receipt of additional government support, are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week. This is known as the ‘universal entitlement’.
For eligible working families, the entitlement is 30 hours per week for children aged 9 months old to school age. These entitlements are capped at the equivalent of 38 weeks per year.
In overseas locations where the children of entitled Defence staff have no statutory entitlement to access host nation provision, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) delivers the same entitlement through places at Defence Children Services (DCS) schools and settings or through access to the MOD Overseas Nursery Authority, (ONA) (GOV.UK).
Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme including Primary School Aged Childcare Overseas (PSACO)
The WAC scheme (including PSACO) provides eligible Service families with better flexibility and affordable childcare support.
Eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if child is in receipt of UK disability benefits) can claim up to 20 hours per week of funding for each child attending before and after school care during term time (up to 39 weeks per year).
Wraparound Childcare is known as ‘Out of School care’ in Wales and ‘School Age Childcare’ in Scotland.
The PSACO scheme provides a reimbursement of costs for before and after school childcare in overseas locations where due to local rules or regulations it is not possible for WAC eligibility criteria to be met, or because Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) accounts are not available.
WAC and PSACO funding do not provide childcare spaces; the funding is a reimbursement for costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.
When to register for WAC or PSACO
Eligible Service personnel with 4-year-old children starting full-time education (reception / P1 (including home education)) in the autumn term can register from 01 September.
If your children are already registered, you do not need to re-register unless your account shows your child as de-registered. De-registration can happen when there are changes to your JPA record such as a new assignment.
Update to WAC and PSACO capped hourly rates
The WAC and PSACO capped hourly rates are updated each year prior to the start of the autumn term. The rates may go both up and down. This will affect the amount that can be claimed. The updated rates will be published in the DIN, and on the Defence Childcare Information Page on defnet or Defence Connect.
Where to find further information about Defence childcare schemes
For detailed policy information including the eligibility criteria search the relevant DIN - ‘UK Nursery Authority’ / ‘Wraparound Childcare’ / ‘Primary School Aged Childcare Overseas’ / ‘Early Years Funded Childcare Overseas’ at DINs Search (Defnet) or Group: Defence Instruction Notices - DIN's | Defence Connect.
Defence Childcare Information Page defnet or Defence Connect
Discover My Benefits webpage (www)
Childcare for Service children - GOV.UK
Have questions?
Personnel and Service families can email the policy team:
For UKNA or ONA People-affs-child-expenses@mod.gov.uk
For WAC or PSACO People-affs-wac-fro-mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Poulton-Le-Fylde: A new Car Boot Sale site open every Tuesday & Friday
Poulton Car Boot Sale - Garstang Road East (on the field just past Singleton Shell garage)
Information provided by Weeton HIVE
Northern Ireland: Wake the Giant - Co.Down - 1st & 2nd August
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