In 2014, the RAF FF is running consultations on future policy issues and development

Have you experienced difficulties taking your child out of school during periods of PODL?

In September 13 the rules changed and parents are no longer able to take their child(ren) out of school during term-time. If they do they are now liable to be fined. Prior to this, under the heading of ‘exceptional circumstances’ Ofsted allowed Service parents to take their children out of school during periods of PODL – Post Operational Deployment Leave.

Under the new rules there is still a case for ‘exceptional circumstances’ the provision for Service parents does not seem to be in place. Or if it is it is not consistently applied.

There are 6 questions in the survey which we would ask you to complete… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Parents fined £1,000 for taking their children out of school during term time

Media outlets report that a MoD guard and his wife have been fined nearly £1,000 for taking their children out of school during term time.  So what are the new rules? And how do they apply to the children of Service… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Further funding for pupils with parents in the Armed Forces

The Rt Hon David Laws MP has announced the continuation of the Service Pupil Premium. He said:  “We are continuing to support children with parents in the armed forces through the… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Secure funding for your child’s school by TELLING THE HEAD TEACHER!

State Schools, Academies and Free Schools in England, which have Service children in Reception to Year 11, can receive the funding, which is designed to assist the school to provide mainly non-educational support (known as pastoral care) to Service children. The SPP is currently £300 per Service child, paid directly to… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Government seeks parents’ views on Childcare Vouchers

The Government has announced major changes to the childcare voucher scheme and is keen to hear the views of parents. The Government had therefore put together a … More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

New Director takes on challenges facing Young People across the MoD

Mike Cooper has taken up the post as the 2* Director of Children & Young People (DCYP). In his role as Director, Mike provides the Adjutant General, who is the Principal Personnel Officer for children’s issues across the MoD, with… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

MPs conclude: Service children must get equal education opportunities

The House of Commons Defence Committee have published their report: Educating the Children of Service Personnel. COVENANT IN ACTION? PART 3: EDUCATING THE CHILDREN OF SERVICE PERSONNEL. MPs conclude that cross-Government… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Live Parliamentary Session: Educating the children of service personnel

These oral sessions continue the series:The Armed Forces Covenant in Action. Parts 3 & 4 are entitled ‘Educating the Children of Service Personnel’ and can be viewed on the Parliament website. Part 3 The witnesses in this 3rd session are the… More information  If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

An inspirational drama & music project for young people of Hampshire

This is potentially a life-changing opportunity. By the end of the project as well as performing in front of a live audience, these young people will have created rousing pieces of music, achieved an Arts Award, recorded interviews for oral history use in the future, created banners for display across Hampshire and, most importantly, made some friends for life. The EDGE Project, an initiative of Hampshire Museums & Galleries Trust and the Winchester based, Discarded Nut Theatre Company are offering young people from Armed Forces families… More information

Calling 14-18 yr olds for high adventure on the Annington Challenge

After a hugely successful trial of the Annington Challenge last year. Children of Service parents are again invited to take part in an 8 day outward bound adventure. With only £50 to pay, it would seem too good an opportunity to miss… Find out more by reading Josh Booth’s account in the RAF FF magazine, Envoy. Aged 14 and living at RAF Benson, Josh said: “I had an amazing time and met some great people…More information »