Summary

In this episode, Esther Anne Thomas shares her experiences as a military family navigating education at Mount Kelly. She discusses the importance of a supportive school environment, the challenges faced by military families, and offers advice for those returning to the UK. Esther highlights the significance of co-educational settings and the value of community support, while also celebrating military children and their unique experiences.

Takeaways

• Esther's family has a strong military background, with her husband serving in the army.
• Both daughters attended Mount Kelly, with one now at university and the other in her final year.
• The family chose Mount Kelly for its supportive environment and continuity of education.
• Esther emphasises the importance of a co-ed school for diversity and opportunities.
• Military families should research hidden costs associated with schools.
• Esther works for the Army Family Federation, supporting military families globally.
• The school encourages students to take risks and learn from failures.
• Community involvement is crucial for military families, especially when relocating.
• Esther's daughters have developed resilience and independence through their education.
• April is recognized as the month of the military child, celebrating their unique challenges.

Links:

Army Month of the Military Child - Army Families Federation

Navy NFF - April marks the Month of the Military Child

RAF Month of the Military Child | Get involved in MotMC < RAF Families Federation

General MOD Resources for independent advice and Continuity of Education Allowance:

Defence Children Services (DCS) - GOV.UK The Education Advisory Team (EAT) (UK), contactable at [email protected], is part of DCS. It provides professional independent information, advice and guidance regarding the education of Service Children in the UK. It is Tri Service. 

Background info for you Month of the Military Child - GOV.UK

Every April, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) celebrates the ‘Month of the Military Child’ - a time to highlight Service children and remind people of the positive impact they make in their schools and communities.

Month of the Military Child logo. Purple as "Joint" Services

The month is led by the Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding Team (AFFS) within the MOD, with support from charities, schools, and other MOD departments.

The activities organised vary from art and poetry competitions to events at military bases and schools. The last Friday of the month is ‘Purple Up! Day’ - a chance for everyone to dress in something purple to show their support. This year it falls on 25 April.

Six ways to celebrate the Month of the Military Child:

1.        Enter the Month of the Military Child art and poetry competition.

2.      Hold an assembly to discuss Service life and the many things Service children have experienced.

3.      25 April is ‘Purple Up! Day’. Wear purple to show your support for Service children and run an event on that day. Remember to use the hashtag #MotMC.

4.      Brainstorm ideas with your children to create a permanent reminder in the school of your support for Service children.

5.      ‘Share your story’project: ask children to think about their life experiences and how they might share this with the rest of the class.

6.      Mark all the locations your Service children have lived on a map and build this into lessons.

·           Celebrate Month of the Military Child this April - Forces Children’s Educationwww.mountkelly.com

Month of the Military Child: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/month-of-the-military-child

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

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