Supporting Service Children in Wales: A Guide for Parents at Ysgol Golwg Pen Y Fan
We have over 40 service children across the 3 sites at Ysgol Golwg Pen Y Fan. Children from Armed Forces families often face unique challenges due to mobility, deployment, and transitions. In Wales, a range of dedicated services and resources are available to support their educational, emotional, and social well-being.
Service Families SCHOOP Channel
We have a dedicated SCHOOP channel to provide up to date information and events for service families- if you have not already joined this please sign up!
Education and School Support
Supporting Service Children in Education (SSCE) Cymru
SSCE Cymru is a Welsh Government-funded initiative that collaborates with all 22 local authorities to ensure schools understand and support the needs of Service children. They offer resources, training, and events to aid schools and families. SSCE Cymru also coordinate research and compile evidence on the experiences of Service children in education to ensure their needs are well understood, Collaborate with members of the SSCE Cymru Network to conduct activities and produce resources that will help support Service children throughout their education and work with organisations to provide evidence and impact policy relevant to supporting Service children in education.
SSCE Cymru Website(GOV.WALES)
Educational Grants
While Wales doesn’t have a dedicated Service Pupil Premium, schools can access specific grants to support Service children. We are very grateful to have regular grants from SSCE Cymru to support with small projects – this year they have supported with Lego therapy training, well-being days for service children and ALN resources.
We have also been lucky to have the support of the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund and the Armed Forces Education Trust with larger projects including dedicated staff and well-being training for all staff.
Emotional and Social Well-being
At Ysgol Golwg Pen Y Fan we are dedicated to emotional and social well-being and support for all our pupils but have specific support for service children. We have dedicated members of staff- Miss Ebony Johnson (Vulnerable Groups Lead) and a Service Children Champion. We also work closely with other outside agencies to ensure the best support:
Little Troopers
This charity offers resources to help military children stay connected and resilient during periods of separation or transition. Activities include storytelling, memory-making, and school toolkits. Little Troopers(Royal British Legion)
Reading Force
A tri-service charity that encourages shared reading among military families, helping maintain bonds during deployments. Reading Force offer free books on a subscription basis for families with deployed members.
Reading Force(SCiP Alliance)
Armed Forces Teaching Assistant at Ysgol Golwg Pen Y Fan
Hello! My name is Amanda, and I’m very excited to introduce myself as the new Service Children Champion. In my role, I’ll be working across MSJ, MSI, and Cradoc, supporting our wonderful service children and helping to ensure they feel settled, supported, and celebrated in school life. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the children and working closely with staff and families as I settle into this new role. The school will be working towards the Silver Award for SSCE Cymru this term. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, getting outdoors for a good hike, and paddleboarding whenever I get the chance! If you see me around school, please do come and say hello—I’m always happy for a chat.
