Introduction

Here at John Blandy Primary we welcome our Service Children and are incredibly proud of what they represent and the contribution they make to our school. We value the wide variety of different experiences, of life in and outside of school, both before their time with us and whilst they are at John Blandy primary. 

Service Pupil Pastoral Team

We support our Service Children through our Pastoral Team.  We can offer individualised support plans for our students particularly at times of transition and deployment. 

Mrs Stanley is our ELSA.

Service Pupil Community Link Workers

Mandy Milburn and Suzie Davies are the Service Pupil Community Link Workers for all Faringdon Learning Trust (FLT) schools.   These posts are funded through the Armed Forces Covenant fund Trust (AFCFT).

Our aim is to provide you with direct pastoral and welfare support.

Service Pupil Premium (SPP)

The aim of SPP is to enable schools to offer pastoral and emotional support during challenging times and to help mitigate the negative impact on Service Children of family mobility or parental deployment. Some of the support needed by Service Children doesn’t require dedicated resource, but sensitivity, awareness and thoughtfulness on the part of staff.

On this page you will find details of our school’s Service Pupil Premium for grant allocation for this academic year and how we intend to spend this pupil premium.  

*Service Personnel with children (Reception to Y11) in State Schools in England should notify schools of their Children’s Service status to ensure they are recorded prior to the next Autumn Census (First Thursday in October) in order qualify for Service Pupil Premium.

Deployment Support

Deployment can cause disruption to family life and can be especially hard for children.  Our Pastoral Team will ensure that we make it as smooth and comfortable for the student as is possible and support their resilience during times of change.

The RAF Families Federation (RAFFF) together with Service Children in State Schools (SCISS) have created a downloadable Deployment Support flyer for families and schools.  In it you will find useful links and signposting to key resources and organisations offering support to help children from an Armed Forces background.

In order for us to best support your child/children during times of deployment, whether this be an operational tour of duty for several months, or a training course or exercise for a few weeks we ask that you let the school know via the school office.

Transition

Service Children face unique challenges during transitions due to their mobile lifestyle.  Challenges include gaps in learning, differences in curriculum, adapting to new environments and the potential stresses on the family associated with moving.  Furthermore, Service Children often transition at irregular times throughout the school year, adding stressors like learning new school layouts and assimilating into established social groups.

At John Blandy Primary we understand the needs of our Service Children and strive to ensure every pupil has a positive transition experience through providing academic and emotional support.

For more information on how we can support your child(ren), please contact Mrs Elliott via office@jbl.faringdonlearningtrust.org.