Schools can apply for grants of up to £3,000 from Supporting Service Children in Education (SSCE) Cymru, to provide practical support for service children throughout their education.

The programme currently supports over 2,000 children across Wales, thanks to £270,000 of Welsh Government funding.

Service children often face unique challenges in education, including disrupted learning due to relocating, interrupted social connections, and concerns about the safety of parents on active duty.

The grants can be used for a range of activities, such as dedicated school clubs, information for teachers to better understand service children's experiences, and transition support for pupils who have to change schools, for example setting up a buddy at the new school.

Speaking on Armed Forces Day (June 28), the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle said: “Supporting all children to have to a high standard of education and a happy experience of school is essential. I recognise the particular challenges that Service children can face, which is why the funding offered through Supporting Service Children in Education is so important.

“I’m so pleased to see the range of innovative projects and the community that has been established thanks to the funding we provide.”

SSCE Cymru is managed by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA).

The Cabinet Secretary for Education has recently agreed to broaden the current Welsh Government definition of a service child in education, so that more children are able to benefit from support. Officials are currently working with stakeholders to consider a new definition.