Support for Service Children

At our school, we are proud to support children from service families. We understand that being part of a military family can bring unique experiences and challenges, including frequent moves, parental deployment, and periods of separation. Our aim is to ensure every service child feels welcomed, supported, and able to thrive both academically and emotionally.

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Providing a stable and nurturing environment
• Supporting smooth transitions in and out of our school
• Promoting emotional wellbeing and resilience
• Ensuring service children achieve their full potential

 

Pastoral Support

We offer a strong pastoral system to help pupils feel safe and supported:

• A designated Service Children Team, who oversee provision and acts as a key point of contact
• Access to trained staff who understand the challenges faced by service families
• Regular check-ins for pupils during times of change, such as deployment or relocation
• Opportunities for children to talk and share their experiences in a safe space

 

Academic Support

We recognise that mobility can impact learning, so we:

• Assess new pupils quickly to identify any gaps in learning
• Provide tailored interventions or catch-up support where needed
• Share information efficiently with previous and future schools to ensure continuity
• Offer flexibility and understanding during periods of family change

 

Emotional Wellbeing

The wellbeing of our service children is a priority:

• Access to ELSA support/check ins and wellbeing support where available
• Peer support groups or “service children clubs” to build friendships
• Half term workshops for service children to spend time together whilst taking part in an art and crafts activities
• Activities that promote resilience, confidence, and belonging

 

Transition Support

We support both arrivals and departures:

• School tours
• Buddy systems for new pupils
• Support for pupils leaving, including liaison with their next school
• ELSA check ins where appropriate

Coming soon:

• Welcome Packs to share upon arrival
• Transition meetings to help children settle quickly

 

Working with Families

We value strong partnerships with parents and carers:

• Open communication with families about their child’s needs
• Flexibility and understanding around deployment and family circumstances
• Signposting to external support services where appropriate

 

Service Pupil Premium

We use Service Pupil Premium funding to enhance provision for service children. This may include:

• Additional pastoral care and emotional support
• Academic interventions
• Enrichment activities to build confidence and wellbeing

 

Celebrating Service Families

We recognise and celebrate the contributions of service families through:

• Special assemblies or events
• Awareness activities linked to the armed forces community
• Encouraging pupils to share their experiences and stories

 

Parental quotes (March 2026) 

"I think the school is great. They are very supportive of US Military children and even have a support group for the kids where they meet in school regularly."

"I always look forward to our sessions. They are great fun."

"My children are thriving at Westgate. We are a military family and the support and understanding we have received has been outstanding. The staff is incredible and always approachable with friendly faces."

 

Comments from our Service children (March 2026) – 

 

"I enjoy the activities."

"Meeting other children whose Dads are in the military."

"I enjoyed looking at the map and being able to see where I would like to go next."

    "I enjoy the activities and seeing my friends."

   "I like the arts and crafts."

   "I like everything."