April is the Month of the Military Child – an annual initiative to recognise and celebrate the remarkable children and young people in our Armed Forces community.
This campaign is led by the Education Policy Team within the Defence Children Services (DCS), who are responsible for the equality of delivery, support and outcomes of education and safeguarding for Service children and MOD entitled civilians in accompanied postings overseas.
The new Head of the Defence Children Services said:
"Our Service children are a valuable part of our Armed Forces community. Giving them a stable, supportive environment isn't just the right thing to do – it's critical to Defence’s operational effectiveness. When families are in good hands, personnel can serve at their best.
“Service children continue to prove their resilience and adaptability. Whether it’s moving schools, relocating, or managing time apart from a parent on deployment.
“As global uncertainty rises, so do the demands on serving personnel, which results in a commensurate impact on Service families, especially children. This is evidenced by the recent events in RAF Akrotiri, where although schools and early years settings have experienced some disruption, staff, families, and Service children have demonstrated incredible resilience, strength, bravery, and versatility.
“Innovating their approach, staff continue to provide safe education and care elsewhere on the Island. Meeting the needs of our Service children is a key component of Defence’s offer and must recognise their unique circumstances.”
Get involved
Led by DCS’ Education Policy Team, with support from charities, schools, and fellow MOD departments, this initiative raises awareness of the unique experiences and challenges faced by children of Armed Forces personnel around the world. It is also a time to thank them and highlight their positive impact in schools, society and our Armed Forces community.
Show your support by getting involved in the many activities taking place this month. Here are some simple, meaningful ways that you and your family can get involved:
- Discover activities and events at local military bases and schools by contacting your local HIVE (Royal Navy Family and People Support, Army HIVE, RAF HIVE) or Families Federation (Navy, Army, RAF). Charities and other organisations are also holding events.
- Spread the word about the Month of the Military Child with other Service families and your wider community. Use the following hashtags on social media: #MotMC and #MonthoftheMilitaryChild.
- To help your child’s school recognise and raise awareness of Service children, share information, ideas and resources with them.
- Wear purple on Friday 24 April 2026: Wearing purple is a simple but powerful way to show solidarity with Service children. Remember to use the hashtag and encourage your colleagues to join in, too. You can even turn it into a purple-themed bake sale or activity.
- Why not encourage your child to enter Never Such Innocence’s art and poetry competition? This year’s competition closes on 1 May 2026, and the theme is: Winds of Change.
