Forces Club

At The Federation of Bedenham and Holbrook Primary School, we have a small proportion of children from service families. Although the number of services children is relatively small, this can still have a large impact within school.

When a parent is about to deploy we often notice a change in behaviour of the child concerned. At times challenging behaviour is displayed. Often a child becomes withdrawn, more emotional and finds it difficult to focus on tasks, therefore inhibiting progress. Time is needed to talk about feelings, prepare them for the deployment and give them opportunity to work through emotions as well as provide opportunity for follow up during a deployment.

We know from experience that children who receive ELSA support greatly benefit. ELSA support has helped to increase confidence and self-esteem, give children a greater ability to cope with emotions and problems which then leads to academic improvements. Children are better able to concentrate and enjoy school. Having discussed with parents, children and teachers, the types of support that have the greatest impact are social stories, having someone to talk to who is objective and the security of somewhere and someone to go to when things are difficult. Parents have also welcomed the idea of their child being given special time in school for creating artwork and keeping in touch with family members.

Our Forces club meets weekly with Mrs Doole on a Friday afternoon.