News & Views

A key feature now embedded within the Thriving Lives Toolkit is the inclusion of detailed example responses at the emerging, developing, and embedding levels for each self-assessment question. These examples offer schools clear, structured guidance on what effective practice might look like at each stage of progress. By providing concrete illustrations of the continuum of practice, the Toolkit supports users to reflect more accurately and confidently on their current level of support for children and young people from Armed Forces families. This, in turn, ensures greater consistency, depth, and integrity in self-evaluation across diverse school contexts.

The value of these example responses extends beyond self-assessment. By showcasing what good and developing practice can look like in real-world settings, the examples act as a catalyst for improvement. They offer practical ideas, provoke thoughtful discussion among staff, and inspire ambition—particularly for schools seeking to enhance their provision and move towards more embedded, strategic, and sustainable approaches.

This enhancement has been especially valuable for schools that are new to the Toolkit. It provides a helpful starting point to benchmark current activity, gain clarity on areas of strength and development, and plan meaningful, targeted next steps. For more experienced schools, the examples offer opportunities for refinement and innovation, encouraging continuous improvement and a deeper understanding of what impactful support for Service children truly looks like.

Please see the demonstration below to find out more.