All together now: Transforming support, visibility and belonging for Service children in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Council has developed an innovative, relationship-led model to support Service children through its Service Children’s Champion programme. Working across over 230 schools, the programme has built a thriving multi-agency network, empowered schools through training and resources, and created high-impact events celebrating children’s identity. From large-scale county events attended by hundreds of pupils to bespoke wellbeing resources and pupil voice initiatives, the approach has increased visibility, strengthened partnerships and improved wellbeing outcomes. This case study demonstrates how a single, dedicated role can act as a catalyst for system-wide change—ensuring Service children are not only supported, but recognised, connected and able to thrive. 

North Yorkshire is home to one of the largest military communities in the UK, yet many Service children remain invisible within education systems, particularly outside garrison areas.  

These children often experience:

• frequent school moves
• parental deployment and separation
• emotional and social disruption.

Despite their resilience, support was historically inconsistent and fragmented, with schools requesting clearer guidance, stronger networks and better access to resources.

The appointment and expansion of the Service Children’s Champion role marked a turning point—creating a dedicated, visible advocate to connect systems, amplify children’s voices and drive a more consistent, strategic approach.

The programme set out to:

• raise awareness and visibility of Service children across North Yorkshire
• improve emotional wellbeing and sense of belonging
• build capacity within schools to provide consistent support
• strengthen collaboration between education, military and local authority partners
• create opportunities for children to celebrate their identity and share their experiences
• ensure equitable access to support, regardless of location.

At the heart of the programme is a simple but powerful idea: 
connection drives change.

1. A thriving county-wide network

The Service Children’s Network (SCN) was redesigned into a dynamic, termly forum bringing together:

• headteachers and school advocates
• military welfare teams
• local authority professionals.

Attendance has grown significantly, with professionals describing it as:

An invaluable asset… keeping schools and leaders fully up to date.

The network provides:

• real-time updates and shared intelligence
• high-quality free CPD
• a trusted space for collaboration and problem solving.

Virtual meetings are held termly with an average attendance of 35 attendees and are split into two halves.  The first 30 minutes, known as ‘Initial Briefings’ is for headteachers, military representatives and other key stakeholders where key messages and important updates are shared.  The following hour is dedicated to providing free CPD with guest speakers from a wide range of organisations and is aimed at Service Children Advocates who will work directly with Service children in their schools.  

2. Empowering schools, not creating dependency

A key shift has been moving from direct intervention to sustainable capacity-building. This includes:

• specialist CPD on mobility, deployment and Service Pupil Premium
• a fully resourced website with downloadable tools
• wellbeing programmes for Key Stages 1–3
• monthly digital newsletters reaching practitioners across the county.

This approach enables schools to confidently support their own pupils, embedding good practice long-term.

3. Creating powerful shared experiences

The programme delivers high-quality, large-scale opportunities that bring Service children together, reducing isolation and strengthening identity.

Festival of Remembrance – Ripon Cathedral

• over 650 children attending annually  
• combines art, music, storytelling and the act of Remembrance
• creates a deeply meaningful shared experience.

Service Children Awards

• over 200 nominations received in 2024
• celebrates achievement across children, schools and communities
• raises the profile of Service children across the region.

Armed Forces Day for Children

• around 800 children participating each year
• encourages understanding between civilian and military communities
• offers memorable, confidence-building experiences.

Month of the Military Child

• virtual assembly and curriculum linked activities shared with schools across North Yorkshire
• collaborative art projects with inspirational artists such as Lucy Pittaway and Mackenzie Thorpe.

4. Putting children’s voices at the centre

Children are not just participants—they are co-creators. Initiatives include:

• “The Big Conversation” – amplifying children’s lived experiences to shape future provision, directly leading to the development of the Service Children’s Promise, a charter for schools.
• Creative projects and collaborative artwork.  
• A thriving Service Children’s Community Choir, offering both wellbeing support and national opportunities. The choir has performed at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Festival of Remembrance and they auditioned and went through to the live-semi finals of Britain’s Got Talent.  
• Seeing new children walk through the door, join in so confidently, and immediately start building friendships is exactly why this choir means so much.
• For military children, having a safe and supportive space where they feel understood can make such a difference. Through music, laughter, and shared experiences, we have created more than a ‘just’ a choir — we’re building a community and support network that we will stay with these children wherever life in the force’s world takes them.
• Every new voice makes this family stronger, and we can’t wait to see these friendships continue to grow.

The programme has generated clear insights:

• visibility changes everything
• a known, trusted champion role has transformed engagement and access to support.
• communication is critical
• consistent messaging through networks, newsletters and social media drives collaboration and awareness.  
• empowerment is more sustainable than intervention
• equipping schools creates long-term, embedded impact.
• celebration is powerful
• shared events and creative opportunities foster pride, identity and belonging at scale. 

• invest in a dedicated champion role to act as a connector and advocate
• build a strong, multi-agency network with regular opportunities for collaboration
• focus on capacity-building within schools, not dependency
• prioritise children’s voice and co-production
• create visible, shared experiences that bring communities together
• use a mix of digital tools and in-person engagement to maximise reach.

The programme continues to evolve, with plans to:

• grow the Service Children’s Community Choir by empowering and mentoring new leaders to establish branches nationwide, extending its reach to support and connect children across multiple schools.
• embed the Service Children’s Promise across all schools to ensure consistent, high-quality support, regardless of whether a school has one Service child or several hundred.
• grow collaborative partnerships across local authorities
• further develop resources to support schools and families.

Conclusion

North Yorkshire’s Service Children’s Champion programme demonstrates what is possible when a local authority combines strategic leadership with genuine human connection.

By bringing people together, amplifying children’s voices and celebrating identity, the programme ensures that Service children are not just supported— they are seen, valued and empowered to thrive.