Learning for Life
Hampshire has the largest population of pupils from Service families of all local authorities, representing all branches of the armed forces. At Marchwood, over 20% of our children come from a Service family. We recognise that being a Service child is a unique experience that brings its own challenges and opportunities. There are a variety of ways in which we can support our Service children; please see below for further information.
We understand that deployment is a fact of life for service families and recognise that when a parent is away from home, even for a short period of time, there will be an emotional impact on the child. We are aware that at times, very little notice is given to serving personnel but it would be very helpful if we are made aware of any upcoming deployment as soon as possible, in order to enable us to support your child.
We are able to offer children the opportunity to chat with an adult and/or with other children who are in a similar position, should they wish to. The children will also have a chance to write letters, draw pictures or make crafts for the parent who is away.
Support is available for as long as the deployment or absence lasts and can be weekly or on an ad hoc basis. We can also support children whose parent is due to go away or has returned, but who are still feeling a little unsettled.
Please complete and return the form below to notify us of any forthcoming deployment. Forms can be emailed or a hard copy sent into school.
The Department for Education (DfE) introduced the Service pupil premium (SPP) in April 2011 in recognition of the specific challenges children from Service families face and as part of the commitment to delivering the armed forces covenant.
Pupils attract SPP if they meet one of the following criteria:
Children can also attract the SPP if they live with a step-parent or foster carer who is a member of the armed forces.
Children have to be flagged as service children ahead of the autumn school census deadline. Service parents need to make the school aware of their status by talking to the headteacher or school office staff.
The purpose of the Service Pupil Premium is to enable schools to offer mainly pastoral support to eligible pupils during challenging times and to help mitigate the negative impact on Service children of family mobility (postings) and parental deployment.
Further guidance on the Service Pupil Premium, along with eligibility criteria, can be found here.
Please watch this short video funded by Forces Connect South East, and produced by Hampshire County Council which provides further information about how service families can secure a school place for their child.
The WAC scheme is available to all Service personnel in the UK. The scheme is for working families with children aged between 4-11 years old, either attending school or being home educated. To find out more please click on the following link: https://aff.org.uk/advice/education-childcare/mod-wraparound-childcare-wac-scheme/
Our third party wrap around care provider, Planet Kids, accepts this funding.
Please find links to organisations you may find useful below: