Schools across Wales can now apply for grants of up to £3,000 to help support children from Armed Forces families through the challenges of school life, thanks to the Supporting Service Children in Education (SSCE) Cymru programme.
Funded by £270,000 from the Welsh Government, the initiative is currently assisting over 2,000 service children. These pupils often face unique obstacles such as disrupted education due to frequent relocations, difficulty forming social bonds, and anxiety linked to parents serving on active duty.
The grants are designed to provide targeted, practical support in schools. They may be used to fund initiatives like dedicated school clubs for service children, staff training to raise awareness of their experiences, and transition support such as buddy schemes for pupils who are changing schools.
To mark Armed Forces Day on 28 June, Bridgend County Borough Council teamed up with SSCE Cymru to host the Bridgend Forces Festival at the 160 Company REME HQ Army Reserve Centre. The two-day event welcomed 182 pupils from 20 local schools – 125 of whom come from service families.
The festival offered a mix of team-building exercises and wellbeing activities, including arts and crafts, sports, and a water challenge – all designed to help service children connect with peers who understand their experiences.
A pupil from Pencoed Primary School shared: “Moving so often has had a big impact on me. Making friends each time is hard, but you get used to it. Meeting other military children has helped me realise I’m not alone, and there are people who understand.”
Wellbeing Officer Kaye King, who also serves as the Service Children’s Champion at Pencoed Primary, emphasised the impact of such events: “Being part of the SSCE Cymru network has helped our school better understand the Armed Forces lifestyle. These events give service children the chance to share and connect, which is incredibly valuable.”
On Armed Forces Day, Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle commented: “Supporting every child to enjoy a high standard of education and a positive school experience is essential. I recognise the particular challenges faced by service children, and this funding plays a vital role in helping them thrive.”
SSCE Cymru is managed by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA). In a recent development, the Cabinet Secretary has agreed to expand the current definition of a service child in education, which could allow more pupils to benefit from this support. Discussions with key stakeholders are currently under way to finalise the new criteria.
