Understanding the impact of Government school fees policy for SP with children using private schools

In light of the introduction of a governmental policy which will charge VAT on private and independent schools in the UK from 1 January 2025, the Army Personnel Policy team are keen to understand the impact of this change on Service Personnel and their families. 

The British Army recognises the unique circumstances faced by our serving personnel and that frequent mobility can disrupt children’s education. The Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) helps by providing the children of serving personnel with a stable education that wouldn’t otherwise be available in the state-maintained school sector. The Army are working closely with the Army Families Federation (AFF) to better understand the full impact of the removal of the VAT exemption on independent schools from 1 January 2025.

Recognising not only CEA claimants but many other Service families who depend on private schools to provide stability to their children whilst they meet the day to day demands of Service life, and those who may consider this in the future, this survey is designed to provide all SP with the opportunity to submit their views on the matter.

The survey should take no more than 4 minutes to complete.

SP and Families are warmly encouraged to complete this short poll which can be found here: School Fees Poll (mod.uk)​​ . The survey closes at midnight on Monday 23 September 2024.

North Yorkshire: NYC Let's Talk Active Survey 9 Sep - 4 Nov

Let’s Talk Active is part of our series of Let’s Talk conversations with you. The conversations are part of our continued commitment to listen to people who live and work in North Yorkshire. We want to hear from you! Please fill in the online survey here www.northyorks.gov.uk/LetsTalk

We would like to know if you are physically active, what is important to you about being active, and any barriers you face. This will help us to develop our council leisure facilities and our community-based sport and leisure services now and in the future.

Watch a short clip about the campaign here https://youtu.be/nBG5FRZGw_0

Our new Active North Yorkshire service will have a stronger focus on health and wellbeing, supporting more people to be active, especially people who may need additional support and who don’t currently use our services. If you are a leisure centre user, gathering information on how you perceive and experience your local leisure centre will help us to identify strengths as well as areas for improvement. We are also keen to hear from you if you don’t currently use our facilities - understanding why you don’t use them is just as valuable.

Co-ordinated School Admissions - Top Tips for Parents in England

Click image to enlarge.

What is co-ordinated admissions?

This advice applies if you have a child starting primary school (Yr R) or secondary school (Yr 7) in England for the first time (please note some LAs have a middle school point of entry also).

To access the School Admission Top Tips please click here.

To access the School Admissions Code please click here.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New Trust funding programme to support serving families overseas

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has launched Supporting Serving Families Overseas Programme under the Covenant Fund exciting three-year Funding Framework.

The Supporting Serving Families Overseas programme is now open for applications for grants of between £3,000 and £20,000, for projects that aim to assist serving families stationed at overseas bases and defence locations, focusing on addressing and recognising wellbeing issues faced by partners, children and young people during overseas posting.

What is the Supporting Serving Families Overseas programme all about?

The Trust ran a public consultation in 2023, which identified that one of the key areas to focus on was ‘ensuring our Armed Forces communities are not disadvantaged’.’ This family- focused programme will support serving families overseas by addressing their needs, including emotional wellbeing, mental health, social connections, and overall family dynamics. The aim is to better assist those deployed overseas alongside their Service personnel. The consultation findings are available to read on The Trust website.

Bovington: Local drivers needed for share & care transport scheme

Credit: Onecommunity

Share & Care is a wonderful organisation in the Wool area (nr Bovington) that helps people who need transport for medical reasons.

They have around 20 volunteers who drive clients to Hosp/Drs/ opticians/ dentists.

This is an appeal for more volunteers and help.

Drivers are paid 45p per mile and most trips are to Dorchester, Wareham & Wool surgery.

Do as little as 2 hrs a month on a day of your choosing or more if it suits. 

Or if you can't drive maybe you could answer the phone.

If you are interested or need further information on any of the above contact panterval@gmail.com

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Brecon: 24/25 Enrolment to the Breconshire Award Scheme Group

Why should you complete your Duke of Edinburgh's Award?

• Meet new people and make new friends
• Build your confidence around others and new situations
• Explore and experience new things that you might not have tried before
• Help and engage with your local community

At Breconshire Award Scheme Group, we can help you or your child achieve the above and more during their Bronze, Silver or Gold award with us. As a volunteer-based group, we believe everyone should have the chance to go for any level of award. Therefore we offer our guidance, expedition training and equipment at a low cost, with further help and support offered for those needing assistance with costs.
Our 2024/2025 enrolment period is open NOW, please get in touch with us via DM, WhatsApp or email (info@breconshireawardschemegroup.org) to enrol TODAY and let your friends know so they can come along too!

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Haverfordwest: Welsh Blood Service

Ready to donate?

The Welsh Blood Services' September sessions are now available to book.

Book today - www.wbs.wales/app

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

North Yorkshire & Humber: Op Community - Do you need help navigating the NHS as a Service Family?

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Bovington: Buggy fit weekly bootcamp sessions

 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Wiltshire: Apply now if your child is starting school in September 2025

Is your child starting primary or secondary school next year?

If so, applications are now open for you to apply online.

The deadline to apply for a primary school place is 15 January 2025 and you can find out the result on 16 April 2025.

The deadline to apply for a secondary school place is 31 October 2024 and you can find out the result on 3 March 2025.

Click here to apply online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE