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Who is a 'Service child'?

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A 'Service child' has at least one parent who is serving in the armed forces or has done in the past. For the purposes of the SCiP Alliance's work, a Service child is defined as:

A person whose parent, or carer, serves in the regular armed forces, including as a reservist, or has done at any point during the first 25 years of that person's life. 

While different terms are used across research and reports – including 'children of serving and ex-UK Armed Forces personnel' – we largely use the term 'Service child' throughout our work for clarity and consistency.

Other FAQs

There is no single national dataset that identifies all Service children and young people. Based on Ministry of Defence personnel and family statistics, and Office for National Statistics Census 2021 data, we estimate that there are around 750,000 service-connected children and young people aged 0–24 across the UK. 

Our Targeting Map helps organisations understand where Service children are likely to live, both nationally and locally.

Every Service child is different. But many share experiences that can shape their education and wellbeing. 

Service children's lives are characterised by a diversity of experiences shaped by the complex interplay of separation, mobility and transition. These experiences can create additional discontinuity in learning, relationships and opportunities, leading to both strengths and challenges. 

Our research highlights the importance of understanding these experiences and providing evidence-informed support to help Service children thrive throughout their education and development journeys.

Find out more in our Theory of Change.

Yes. In England, schools can receive Service Pupil Premium (SPP) funding to help mitigate the impact of Service life on eligible pupils. Funding arrangements differ across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and other grants may also be available.

Explore funding opportunities for Service children and families: Educational Trust Forum

If you are funder, find out more about the SCiP Alliance Funders' Forum

Supporting Service children is a shared effort, and you don't have to do it alone.

Whether you're a family member, educator, practitioner or policymaker, we can help connect you with trusted organisations, local networks and evidence-based resources.

Your local SCiP Alliance Hub is a great place to start, where you can connect with relevant support, resources and networks.

Strong local partnerships help Service children thrive.

You can strengthen support by:

  • Connecting with your local SCiP Alliance Hub
  • Engaging with regional organisations and networks supporting Service children
  • Building relationships with local Armed Forces communities and bases
  • Celebrating your local Armed Forces community
  • Exploring funding opportunities for projects and activities
  • Working with local bases to develop initiatives such as extended school provision

Your local SCiP Alliance Hub can help you identify relevant contacts, opportunities and examples of effective practice.

Evidence helps us understand what works for Service children – and put it into practice.

The SCiP Alliance provides access to a growing library of evidence-based resources, including research reports, toolkits, case studies, practical guidance and examples of effective practice. We also signpost to trusted resources from partner organisations and government guidance, helping you stay informed about the latest evidence and support available.

Keep an eye on our news and updates for the latest guidance, resources and learning from our partners.

Yes. The SCiP Alliance offers a range of professional learning opportunities, including webinars, events, conferences and Hub-based activities designed to improve understanding of Service children's experiences and needs. We also work with partners to develop and share training and evidence-informed practice across the UK.

The SCiP Alliance works to improve outcomes for Service children and young people across the UK. 

We connect practitioners, researchers, policymakers and funders to strengthen evidence, improve practice, influence policy and ensure Service children's voices are always at the heart of decision-making.

Find out more

Yes. We work with partners across the UK through our Hub network, projects and more, to help ensure Service children can access the support they need, wherever they live.

Alongside our UK-wide work, we are developing our support for Service children overseas by building partnerships, sharing learning and identifying resources that can help practitioners and families wherever they are based.

Everyone has a part to play in supporting Service children.

Whether you join your local Hub, attend an event, contribute to projects and research or simply stay connected with our latest news and resources, you'll be helping to strengthen support across the community.

Together, we can help ensure Service children thrive throughout their education and development journeys.

Still have questions?

We're here to help. Get in touch with us for more information.

Contact us

The Thriving Lives Toolkit

Helping education providers understand and strengthen their support for Service children, from early years through to higher education.

Impact Centre

Supporting practitioners, policymakers, funders and researchers to make evidence-led decisions for Service children.

Community

Join our community of practitioners, researchers, policymakers and funders working together to better understand and support Service children.