The UNCRC recognises that children are in a different situation than adults and will often have varied needs because childhood involves stages of physical and emotional development. Our school recognises that the child of a Service family may at some point in their lives need support in learning and mental health and wellbeing due to their unique circumstances. This could be due to mobility, deployment, education and/or social needs.

At Rydal Penrhos we provide support and advice to ensure that Service children are provided with every opportunity to achieve the best possible outcomes and fulfil their potential. We aim for Service children to receive their full entitlement to statutory services and support and suffer no disadvantage due to their parent’s service commitments; this is the underpinning principle of the Armed Forces Covenant. We aim to provide support that is proactive and preventative as well as being responsive to emerging needs.

It is important that we listen to Service children themselves to learn about their experiences and find out what support they need and what opportunities they would like. At Rydal Penrhos, this is part of a wider pastoral support network and pupil voice programme including our School Council, Peer Mentoring Programme, PSHE Curriculum, the use of the TootToot app and our Health and Wellbeing programmes.

Rydal Penrhos recognise the commitments our Armed Forces families and wider community make. We promote those achievements in the school in a positive and respectful manor. Some examples of how we engage with the Armed Forces community and celebrate the achievements of the Armed Forces include:

• We attend our local authority Armed Forces Forum to ensure we have relevant and up-to-date information and contacts.
• We commemorate relevant events such as Remembrance Day.
• We ensure all our pupils are aware of the experiences and commitments of the Armed Forces community.
• We have a member of the Armed Forces community on our school Governing body.

• We ensure all our staff have an understanding of the experiences of Service children and how this may impact their education
• We engage with SSCE Cymru and utilise the many resources that are available
• For Service Families joining the school we offer additional information and support in their Welcome Pack.