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.

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

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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.

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

Togetherall - behind the smile

Behind every smile, there can be a story others can't always see, but you don't have to face it alone.

At Togetherall, you can talk about what you're going through anonymously and connect with others who understand.

Join the supportive community today and start the conversation that could make all the difference.

To find out more visit https://togetherall.com/en-gb/mental-health-support-for-all-uk-armed-forces-veterans/

Lichfield: School Nurse Drop-in Clinic - Tuesdays 13.00-15.30

 School Nurse drop-in clinic has opened at Lichfield Family Hub. If you are a parent or carer of a 5-19 year old then this is for you! Pop along (you don't need an appointment) to discuss their health and wellbeing, every Tuesday 1.00-3.00pm

Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub

Wales: Helpline Numbers

 

If you are in need of urgent support you can call/text one of these free phone helpline numbers.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub. 

Hereford: Wellness Watchers Volunteer Hub

 Have you discovered our new Wellness Watchers Volunteer Hub?

Are you passionate about health & wellbeing?  Do you want to make a positive impact in your community?  Look no further than our brand new Wellness Watchers Volunteer Hub which is now live on the Healthwatch Herefordshire website.  Whether you're an experienced volunteer or someone looking to get involved for the first time, our Volunteer Hub offers a wealth of opportunities to help you contribute to the health and wellbeing of Herefordshire.  Take a look here.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Lyneham: Welcome packs now available to collect!

 

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Upon moving into SFA in Lyneham, you should have received an A6 postcard with contact details for Lyneham HIVE as well as a QR code for the Lyneham HIVE Location Guide.

Welcome packs have now been created with additional local information including Welfare contact info and bin collection details, plus posters from the AWS CDW and Welfare teams regarding what they can offer in the area.

If you would like a pack but are unable to collect, please email rc-pers-hive-lyneham-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk.

Information provided by Lyneham HIVE

North East: Veterans at Ease Mental Health Support

Mental health is as important as physical health, especially for veterans who have faced the challenges of military life.

At Veterans at Ease, we believe that mental health care should be accessible to all who have served our country. That’s why our therapy services are completely free for the HM Armed Forces Community, be it Veterans, Reservists, Serving Military Personnel or their families. 

Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, anxiety, or depression, we’re here for you. Pick up the phone and make that call today 0191 249 9944 (option 2).

Information provided by North HIVE Hub