Forces Children's Education

Forces Children’s Education is in the running for a Scottish Veterans Award in recognition of our efforts to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people from the Armed Forces families.

The awards honour companies that support the military community, veterans who have excelled in civilian life in sectors including business, fitness and sport, and reservists who are achieving great things.  

Forces Children’s Education (FCE) – run by National Transitions Officer Carolyn MacLeod, on behalf of the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) –  has made the shortlist in the ‘Health and Wellbeing’ category.

Examples of how we have gone above and beyond to support Armed Forces families include our new free poster about the resilience of children of serving, reservist and veteran families, and the benefits they bring to schools. It can be downloaded from the FCE website.

FCE has also created a Teacher Toolkit to support educators about the positives and challenges of children and young people from Armed Forces families, while our Understanding the Scottish Education System guide answers the crucial questions serving and veteran families will have when moving here.

A frequently updated news section keeps families updated on everything from health and wellbeing to military events, free webinars, support opportunities and family activities.

Carolyn said: “The information we provide to Armed Forces families on the move (veterans, reserves and regular service) helps towards the wellbeing of the whole family. If the parents are well-informed about the unique Scottish education system beforehand, the move is less stressful for everyone. 

“The Toolkit we have provided for teachers will create a warmer welcome for incoming children and more understanding from teachers about a child’s Forces background, while our poster helps promote a positive environment.”

Countless other resources are available for families and educators in FCE’s Resources section. 

The Scottish Veterans Awards will be held on 27 April at the Village Hotel, Edinburgh. For information about the ceremony and categories.