Our Armed Forces children and young people often experience situations and challenges that their civilian counterparts may not. Evidence indicates that children and young people from Armed Forces families may suffer high levels of emotional distress before, during and after deployment of a relative. Also learning is interrupted during the transition process which sometimes can involve more than one change of school during the pivotal primary years. Education, from early years through to higher education, can provide the stability to help children and young people through these times.
Argyll and Bute Support
Argyll & Bute Council have a Welcoming our Armed Forces Booklet which aims to provide information for Armed Forces families about schools, early learning and childcare provision in the area, advice on the transition to the Scottish Education system, a detailed explanation of how the 3 – 18 education system works and how to identify their catchment school. It also provides a guide on how parents can enrol their child.
Further Support
Additional Support for Learning Teacher (Armed Forces)
The Additional Support for Learning Teacher (Armed Forces) is Carol Holloway who works for Argyll & Bute Council. This post is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Her role is to support children and young people from an Armed Forces background in various primary schools in the Helensburgh and Lomond area e.g. support with numeracy, literacy, learning support, nurture and skills groups and Seasons for Growth.
Forces Children Education Website
This website is designed for parents and educators to help support families moving from England to Scotland. This information has been brought together to give families an introduction to the Scottish education system; provide them with an understanding of the geography and education resources available; and to join-up the MoD (SFA and posting assignments) with local authority and schools information. Some helpful parts of this website include the following:-
Service Pupil Advisor
The Service Pupil Advisor is Emer Flett who works in the Education Office for Argyll & Bute Council. This post is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Emer is a link between Armed Forces families and schools and her role is to co-ordinate any additional support children and young people from an Armed Forces family may need as a result of deployment and transitions. Emer is based in the Drumfork Community Centre every Wednesday morning from 9 – 12p.m. if you would like to speak to her about anything education related.
How to contact the Service Pupil Advisor
Emer Flett
Service Pupil Advisor
Helensburgh & Lomond Civic Centre
Education Department
38 East Clyde Street
Helensburgh
G84 7PG
01436658921
emer.flett@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Google Drive – Information and Resources for Parents
Emer Flett, Service Pupil Advisor has created a Google Drive which is full of information and resources to support parents e.g.
Moving to Scotland
Deployment Resources
Mental Health
Support (Groups and Organisations) for Parents
To access this please click on the following link