Stafford: Weston Road Academy news

News, events and job vacancies that we have at Weston Road Academy. Information is available via our website about the activities that take place in school together with the school calendar. www.westonroad.staffs.sch.uk/

We have some vacancies here at school that may be of interest and would be grateful if you could share these with the community.

www.westonroad.staffs.sch.uk/vacancies-09112021114146/ this page is updated with all live vacancies as and when they are published.

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Farnham: Wetland waders and flamboyant flamingos at Birdworld

Immerse yourself in serenity at Wetland WaWetders, where you can observe a stunning variety of bird species using their unique beaks to feed from shallow and deep waters, while others soar and swoop gracefully all around you, creating a truly immersive experience. 

Then, follow the footprints to Flamboyant Flamingos and step into a world of vibrant pink! Explore the fascinating Pink Room to uncover fun flamingo facts and discover how these iconic birds get their rosy hue. Walk through to see the flamingos in their natural environment, and challenge your balance by trying to stand on one leg, just like a flamingo, and then enjoy our enchanting pink garden as you take in the breathtaking view of the flamingos in their natural splendor. 

Click HERE for more information. 

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life

Survey link in text below: 

If you and your partner are assigned overseas, Defence wants to hear from you on what Service family life is like. Share anonymous feedback in the Overseas Families Survey.

Tell Defence what information and support has helped you and your family while serving overseas, and what could be better. Here are some areas you’ll be asked about in the survey:

• spousal / partner employment
• education and childcare
• communications
• safeguarding

Your feedback will help to inform Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet the needs of you and your family.

How to complete the survey

You can complete the survey online. You and your partner can share your views individually using same survey link. The survey is open to all Regular and Reserve Service personnel and their spouses / civil partners. Please be assured that survey responses are anonymous.

You have until Saturday 30 August to make your voice heard.

Blandford: Garrison Carpet cleaner hire

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Grantham: Important Notice re. Married Quarter areas

Keeping the estate tidy/litter free and safe is everyone's responsibility. 

For Health and Safety, pathways and roads should be clear of play equipment.

Reminders about Garden Waste Removal, charges and responsibilities. If you are departing/relocating on posting, please gift your green bin to someone who may want it or ask for the council to remove. For more information on Green Bins: https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/bins-street-care-recycling-and-commercial-waste/garden-waste-collections

For details of the local/nearest recycling centre: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/grantham-recycling-centre - Thank you.

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

The Ripple Pond Summer 2025 Newsletter: Family Support together

Click poster to enlarge & link below to view The Ripple Pond Summer 2025 Newsletter online.

The Ripple Pond - Summer 2025 Newsletter

Defence update: Wraparound Childcare funding updates for autumn term 2025

Are you eligible to join the 9,000 Service families claiming up to £3,400, per child, per year, for their before and after school childcare costs?

What is Wraparound Childcare (WAC)?

The WAC scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time, to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if in receipt of disability allowances), who are in full-time education in school or being home educated. WAC funding is available to eligible working Service families in the UK, assigned overseas within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S), assigned overseas and using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision or assigned overseas unaccompanied with family remaining in an eligible location.

Since September 2022 WAC has provided funding for 12,500 Service children's before and after school childcare.

WAC funding does not provide childcare spaces, it is funding for costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.

Wraparound childcare is also known as ‘Out of School care’ in Wales and ‘School Age Childcare’ in Scotland.

Dorset: Special Education Needs & Disabilities help and support for ages 0 - 25.

Where to get some help and support

If you’re a bit unsure as to where to go first to find some help and advice relating to your child/young person’s needs then we have put together some information about some of the key places for resources and helpful people to speak to:

Our Local Offer provides information, advice and support for children and young people aged from 0 to 25 years with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.
Visit SEND Local Offer HERE


Information provided by Bovington HIVE

For more information and support services

Blandford: Garrison raceway kart track

Click on poster above to enlarge 

Information provided by Bovington HIVE  

Defence update - Simplifying overseas service finances

Simplifying overseas service finances…

Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.

When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.

Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time and providing welcome reassurance, by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin.

These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice – whether you’re posted abroad or keeping a home across borders.

Easier claims with more flexibility

From 1 July 2025, eligible personnel assigned to Brunei, USA, Kenya, and select European and Rest of World locations (administered by the Global Support Organisation) can opt into the Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial.

This initiative combines existing Disturbance Expense Overseas, Respite Provision, and Overseas Private Vehicle Provision allowances into a single, non-taxable lump sum payment – and there’s no requirement for expenses receipts to be provided before claiming.

The GMA Calculator gives a real-time, tailored estimate of how much you will receive, and you can use the allowance however you see fit – with JSP 752 providing guidance on expenses the combined allowances can contribute towards.

Planning made simple

The new Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR) tool instantly calculates personalised allowance estimates for those preparing for overseas assignments. Simply enter basic details about your assignment location, family status, and accommodation type to receive immediate values for applicable overseas allowances.

This tool removes the need for time-consuming paperwork and manual calculations, reducing risk of errors and providing greater certainty and reduced stress, during what can be a challenging transition period.

Supporting family connections

For eligible unaccompanied and single Service personnel, with family homes in Europe while permanently assigned in the UK, the Get You Home (Travel to Europe) trial scheme has been extended until June 2026. This provides contributions for up to two return journeys to your European residence, per month.

Qualifying European countries include Cyprus, Germany and France and can be used towards travel via flights, ferry, rail or road.

Disturbance Expenses rate uplift

From 1 July 2025, eligible Service personnel moving to the UK from overseas can claim the same, higher ‘overseas rate’ for Disturbance Expenses as those moving overseas from the UK.

More information

· Read about the new allowance updates and explore the calculation tools on defnet and Defence Connect.

· Visit discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk – to access the ‘Families Hub’ and information on what’s included in ‘Your Offer’.