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Service Children

At Stamford Welland Academy, we are proud to support the many Service children who are part of our school community. We recognise the unique experiences, strengths, and challenges that come with being part of an Armed Forces family, and we are committed to ensuring that every Service child feels understood, valued, and fully supported.

Whether facing transitions, new environments, or periods of parental deployment, our dedicated pastoral team works closely with families to provide stability, continuity, and a sense of belonging. Through personalised support, strong communication with home, and opportunities to connect with other Service children, we aim to create a school environment where every child can thrive both academically and emotionally.


What does Stamford Welland Academy do for Service Children?

💙 A Nurturing, Proactive School Community

  • Warm, personalised environment where every student and family is known extremely well.
  • Strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by service families, including mobility, deployment, and disrupted schooling.


🧩 SEND & EHCP Support

  • Successful track record of securing EHCPs for service children as soon as they join us.
  • Specialist experience in identifying needs that may have been missed due to frequent moves — including overseas schooling.


🛫 Communication & Deployment Awareness

  • Exceptional communication with service families to ensure we are aware of deployments, even when not formally shared.
  • Priority access to our school counsellor for service children during periods of deployment.


🤝 Strong Partnerships with RAF Wittering

  • Close working relationship with RAF Wittering, including visits and contributions from the Station Commander at key events.
  • Regular communication with the Family Worker and SSAFA team around any concerns or transitions.
  • Pastoral staff regularly attend RAF events so families recognise familiar faces and always know who to contact.


🏡 Practical Family Support

  • Guidance and impact letters for families needing to remain in accommodation during split posting or deployment.
  • Assistance with transport to and from Wittering for extracurricular activities or interventions, especially when one parent is deployed.
  • Understanding of the limited public transport options and the isolation some Wittering-based students may experience.


🎓 Flexible Learning & Pastoral Provision

  • Bespoke timetables for students joining mid‑year, especially those who have already started exam courses elsewhere.
  • Priority referrals to counselling and support services during deployment periods.
  • Tailored support with securing work experience placements.


🎖️ Celebrating Service Identity

  • High‑profile Combined Cadet Force (CCF) programme that champions the experiences and strengths of service families.
  • Regular sharing of service family stories and opportunities to raise awareness across the school.
  • Launch of an RAF‑specific section of the CCF in September 2026, further strengthening links with Wittering.


🌐 Dedicated Support & Opportunities

  • Named Service Children Champion within school.
  • Access to service‑specific events such as university visits and specialist programmes (led by Kate Blundell).
  • Collaboration with the Service Children’s Alliance to implement the most effective strategies.