Step 8: Improving outcomes

A chalk board with four colourful chart bars showing 73%, 50%, 92% and 43% with a stack of books and a wooden abacus

There is a sizable group of children and young people from Armed Forces families in Scottish schools. Most of them make a very positive contribution to their schools/settings and communities and can capitalise on their own unique life experiences successfully. However, it is also true that these children may have moved several times and experienced different school and childcare systems, making friends, separation, disrupted family life, and possibly bereavement.

Planning and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of this group of children and young people is a priority. When a school/setting knows that a child is from an Armed Forces family, appropriate support and information can be given if/and when needed.

Resources

The SEEMiS Indicator

Parents are encouraged to let their child’s school or early learning setting know that they are an Armed Forces family.

The Armed Forces Family indicator is available within the SEEMiS data management system used by schools/settings nationally. This information allows schools awareness of their cohort and to offer support with transitions, even for a little while, that can help a child cope with new experiences.

Awareness of this indicator and activating the data record will assist in the evaluation process for effective improvement, through monitoring and the practical use of data.

Using data in the Highlands

This short blog highlights the importance of data – collecting it and how to use it to analyse trends and influence practice. The data identifies how many Armed Forces children and young people there are and where they are located. This in turn allows establishments to plan and provide appropriate support when and where it is needed – both at local authority level and within individual establishments.

Reflective questions

  1. To what extent are you aware of data collection procedures within your establishment in relation to Armed Forces children and young people?
  2. How do you and your establishment use the data you collect?
  3. How could data collection be improved in your establishment?