Thursday 30 September 2021

Defence Childrens Service - Hornbull School National Gallery Exhibition



       


Hornbill School artwork exhibited at the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London.

Hornbill School, a MOD school in Brunei, is honoured to have had a piece of artwork created by the children displayed at the National Gallery’s recent Take One Picture exhibition which ran from June – September 2021. Take One Picture is an annual initiative run by the gallery and this is the third time Hornbill School has been selected for display in the London Gallery exhibition.

Each year the gallery selects an artwork, known as the ‘stimulus’, to get the creative juices flowing and give focus to the exhibition. This year, they chose The Battle of San Romano by the Florentine painter Paolo Uccello, which depicts events that took place between Florentine and Sienese forces in 1432, in a battle that lasted eight years.

In January, children from Years 1 to 6 at Hornbill School dedicated their art week to focusing on the painting. Time was taken to explore Uccello’s work, within a sequence of art lessons for each year group. The children considered how they could link the painting with the school’s citizenship values. The inspiration for their work came from a line in the song - When a knight won his spurs - which the school was learning in their community singing time. The song line, ‘Let faith be my shield and let joy be my steed’ became the title of the artwork they went on to create.

The lyric led to the idea of creating a ‘values battle’ scene with each fighting soldier being armed with strength given from a given character value. The children discussed the values they thought were needed to have strength to overcome challenging times, and a list of values was created, which included joy, love, hope, truth, peace, happiness and courtesy. A large battle scene was created, with the learners creatively designing knights on horseback and foot soldiers, all made through painted prints. Every fighting character depicted carries a value written on their armour.

The second element to this shared piece of artwork was to integrate the line from the song into the piece. Using the medieval setting of the San Romano battle, lettering was incorporated as words to border the scene.

After analysing all the submissions from schools across the UK, the National Gallery selected Hornbill School’s piece entitled ‘Let faith Be My Shield, Joy Be My Steed’ to form part of the exhibition.

Andy Yeoman, Chief Education Officer at Defence Children Services (DCS), said: “The work that has gone into creating this piece of art is outstanding. The level of detail, the dedication and creativity shown by pupils and teaching staff has created something truly wonderful. We are proud of all the work that goes on in all our MOD Schools and we know pupils are thriving and learning.

“The fact that this is the third time the gallery has highlighted artwork from the school is a wonderful achievement.”

DCS is extremely proud of the school for its achievement, a true celebration of the creativity the Hornbill School community has to offer.

Commonwealth Families and Veterans Research

 




Youth Employment UK

 


Youth Employment UK

Are you aged 16-19 and thinking about your future? Our free online Explore Work Experience programme can help. It’s a handy way to explore the world of work and start thinking about what might suit you. www.youthemployment.org.uk/employment-help-young-people/explore-work-experience/


Wednesday 29 September 2021

On Track - Own Your Mind Event


A ticketed event to help build personal mental resilience and well-being plus advice for supporting friends and family. It is accessible both online and at The Tank Museum.

Reading Force

Click here to read the Reading Force update.


Tuesday 28 September 2021

An update from the Children’s Education Advisory Service (CEAS)

 

CEAS - change of email.

Following the move to Defence Children Services (DCS) the general email for CEAS has been changed. It is understood that for a short time enquiries from Service parents or entitled civilians overseas will be forwarded, but the CEAS team would be grateful if you could note the new number so that you will be able to access free and professional educational advice, support and guidance which may include:

· School admissions and admission appeals in the UK

· Special Educational Needs and Disability/ Additional Needs

· Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) and the Special Educational Needs Addition (SENA)

· Education Overseas for Service children and the MOD Assessment of Supportability Overseas

· Retention of SFA on educational Grounds

· Parental rights and responsibilities

Parents who have any educational issues, concerns or need to contact CEAS as directed in regulations should email: RC-DCS-HQ-CEAS@mod.gov.uk

Thursday 23 September 2021

More Support for Veterans in Jobcentre Plus Locations

 

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has increased its support for job hunting veterans, services leavers, and their families, at various Jobcentre Plus locations.

A new role of Armed Forces Champions Lead has been added, in addition to the existing 50 Armed Forces Champions. These Leads will be responsible for overseeing the Champions, and will be based in each Jobcentre Plus district.

Tuesday 21 September 2021

TogetherAll

 

Togetherall, (formerly Big White Wall), is available 24/7 and monitored by trained mental health professionals. A safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively and learn how to manage your mental health. Within the Togetherall platform members are anonymous, so no one will know you’re using it unless you tell them. Most members report feeling better and more able to cope as a result of using the service and because it’s available 24/7, nearly 70% use Togetherall outside of normal working hours.

A community where members are anonymous to each other, they can share how they are feeling and support each other

· Access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

· Clinically managed with trained professionals available 24/7 to keep the community safe

· Self-assessments and recommended resources

· Creative tools to help express how you’re feeling

· Wide range of self-guided courses to do at your own pace

Available for free to all serving personnel, veterans and their family members (aged 16+). Just visit www.Togetherall.com

Thursday 16 September 2021

Take Five To Stop Fraud - Stop, Challenge, Protect


Take five is ​a National Campaign, that offers straight-forward, impartial advice to help everyone protect themselves from preventable financial fraud.

Click here to read more.

Have You Got Married Since The Birth Of Your Child?


If the natural parents have married each other since the birth, they need to re-register the birth so that a new birth record can be created showing the child as a child of the parents' marriage.
Click here for more details.

The Military Co-working Network

The Military Coworking Network (MCN) is a community of military partners working together to create a network of Coworking office spaces on military bases. The Coworking hubs are supported by an online community for members everywhere to share advice, information, inspiration, and create a network of contacts. In 2020 a successful Covenant Trust bid meant further Hubs could be planned, with the MCN team working closely, in a tri-service project, with the Royal Air Forces Association and the RAF Families Federation.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions hubs had to be closed and opening of new hubs had to be delayed. With restrictions lifting and some normality returning, most of the hubs are now open and operational with more hubs due to open in the near future. See below list for current hub locations:

Hub location Status Aldershot Garrison TBC Blandford Camp Opens 20 September Bovington TBC Bulford Camp (also serving Tidworth Camp) Open Chivenor Reopened 6 September HMNB Clyde Open Leuchars Open RAF Akrotiri Open RAF Leeming TBC RAF Valley Open Sandhurst Reopened 14 September

Links to press releases on opening/reopening of some of the hubs are below:

Bulford hub: (www) [https://www.militarycoworking.uk/post/new-military-coworking-hub-opens-at-bulford-camp]
RAF Valley hub: (www) [https://www.militarycoworking.uk/post/reach-for-the-skies-coworking-hub-opens-at-raf-valley]
RAF Akrotiri hub: (www) [https://www.militarycoworking.uk/post/first-ever-overseas-coworking-hub-opens-at-raf-akrotiri-cyprus]
HMNB Clyde hub: (www) [https://www.militarycoworking.uk/post/coworking-hub-at-hmnb-now-officially-open]
Leuchars hub: (www) [https://www.militarycoworking.uk/post/second-coworking-hub-to-reopen-in-scotland]
For further information, visit (www) [https://www.militarycoworking.uk/hubs]

Tuesday 14 September 2021

Friday 10 September 2021

Sea Adventures' diving course and discount


Find below the new course on offer by Sea Adventures and the discount for the British community. 


Open Water Diving COURSE


This course offers the possibility of getting the theoretical information and practical skills to dive safely and independently within the maximum depth of 18 meters, in the company of at least one other adult scuba certified diver.
This course consists of three parts:
Theory : 6 on line lessons + 6 face to face lessons to clarify the keys and securities points.
6 Confined water training : in the pool or at the sea in shallow water, to learn and repeat all the diving skills.
4 open water dives, where the depth of 18 meters is gradually reached.

DURATION: about 5 to 6 half days with flexible hours and schedule of lessons to be agreed.

PREREQUISITES:

minimum age 10 years
good physical shape
good swimming ability
medical certificate

ALL INCLUDED: SSI portal registration, on line course, insurance, 6 academics lessons, 6 confined water, 4 Open water dive, all equipment, international scuba certification release, expert instructor.

PAYMENT METHOD: € 150,00 per booking / registration, balance by the end of the course.

SPECIAL BACK TO SCHOOL OFFER: Open Water Course for service personnel and their spouse.

Next courses:
  •  from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 of September.
  •  from Monday 27 to Thursday 30 of September.
  • Friday as spare day
Timetables are flexible if all participants agree.

LOCATION: Baia di Bacoli 08:30 to 14:30 ( in time for parents to collect their children after school).

Price: 450 Euros / student
SPECIAL HIVE DISCOUNT: 10% for a minimum of 2 participants

N is for Non UK National

 

O is for Overseas

 

DIO Notice to Vacate (NTV Update)

 

Notices to Vacate (NTV)

From 20 September 2021, Notices to Vacate (NTV) for Service Personnel or families who have lost their entitlement to SFA, either due to leaving Service or estrangement will go back to the normal, pre-Covid, timescales. This is in line with latest government guidance.

All families who have lost their entitlement to occupy SFA are aware of this and DIO will continue to provide details of how they can find support and source alternative accommodation.

If affected Service Personnel and/or families have any concerns or enquiries then they should please contact the DIO Loss of Entitlement Team at DIORDAccn-LOETeam@mod.gov.uk.

Final Reminder about Deadline for MOD Education Support Fund

 

A reminder that the deadline for applications to the 2022 MOD Education Support Fund is 30 September 2021. Full details are on GOV.UK

Thursday 9 September 2021

Service Pupil Premium Census

 

Click on the image to enlarge

Getting Through Tough Times


Opportunity provided by EJSU Welfare:

Getting Through Tough Times - an online Zoom session delivered by the Welfare Team and Dr Philippa Grace, Educational and Child Psychologist, focused on supporting families and serving personnel. The sessions link with ongoing work in schools to support psychological wellbeing, but we hope the activities may be useful and relevant for anyone who has been affected by the situation in Afghanistan and that it will provide some ideas about talking together about difficult topics.

If you would like to join in the session on 13/09/2021 at 19.00 CET by zoom then please follow the link below.

If you are not sure if this is session is for you, or would like more information then please see the information sheet below

Community Hub is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Getting Through Tough Times

Time: Sep 13, 2021 19.00 Brussels

Join Zoom Meeting


Meeting ID: 894 1525 4443

Passcode: 415211

Wednesday 8 September 2021

Defence Children's Services Commendation

St Christopher’s EYFS and Sunflowers Nursery receive Commendation from Commander British Forces.

Staff at St Christopher’s EYFS and Sunflowers Nursery, in Gibraltar, have been awarded a Commendation from Commander British Forces, in recognition of their contribution to the wellbeing of MOD families during lockdown.

Having recognised the additional strain lockdown posed to serving families in their community, staff at the schools and settings worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to support families where possible, providing childcare to essential workers and delivering remote learning alongside parents.

Ryanair announces new UK-Italy flight routes as travel recovery continues

Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP Article extracted from thelocal.it

Amid the revival of travel to and from Italy, budget airline Ryanair announced it is putting on several new Italian routes this winter.

Ryanair has announced several new routes between London and airports in Italian cities as it hailed the recovery of travel “to pre-Covid levels”.

The low-cost airline’s winter 2021 schedule will include flights from London Stansted to Trapani and Treviso, and from Luton to Naples and Turin.

Do You Want to Start Your Own Business? Free Monthly Webinars for the Armed Forces Community

 

Looking to take the next steps and start-up your business or do you have and idea but not know where to go next? Why not join the monthly free introduction webinar giving the first insights to running your own business.

This webinar will be delivered by the Head Trainer from the successful 'Supporting the Unsung Hero' Armed Forces business start-up programme.

So if you a member of the Armed Forces Community and dreamed of becoming your own boss, then come and join us and start your journey.

NOTE: This is only available to members of the Armed Forces Community and you will be ask to verify this on sign up.

To book your spot CLICK HERE

Officers Association - LinkedIn Training Course with Lincoln Coutts Wednesday 6th October Online

 

Training Course: LinkedIn Essentials with Lincoln Coutts

Whether you are just getting started or have had a profile for years, Lincoln will show you how to make the most of LinkedIn in your job search.

Wednesday 6 October 2021. 1000 - 1200, 1400 - 1600, online.

Officers Association - Understand Your Pension - the Forces Pension Society Wednesday 15th Sept Online

Webinar: It Pays to Understand your Pension with the Forces Pension Society

In conjunction with National Pension Awareness Day 2021, Forces Pension Society will be delivering a pension focussed webinar for the Officers' Association.

Wednesday 15th September 2021: 1100 - 1200, online​ (very probably UK time - it is not clear from the website)

Insight Workshop - Free To All Military & Veteran Spouses

 

Would your career benefit from a FREE tailored session with LinkedIn?

​ Have you ever experienced a birds-eye view of a military spouse being interviewed for a job?

​If you answered yes to the above then join an online Insight Workshop later this month.

Tuesday 21st | 10:00 - 12:00
- Discover your values | Identifying company cultures that align with your values.

Wednesday 22nd | 10:00-12:00
- CV Workshop & Intro to LinkedIn

Thursday 23rd | 10:00 - 12:30
- Interview techniques & preparation
- Q&A

All sessions are delivered via Zoom with workbook and aftercare packages included.

Places are limited, to apply email coaching@recruitforspouses.co.uk

Tuesday 7 September 2021

Help Shape Your Future Accommodation Offer





Click on the image for more information.

Costco Special Offer To Armed Forces And Veterans

 

For all the information and to join visit here.

Friday 3 September 2021

Contacting DIO Accommodation’s Loss of Entitlement Team



​DIO Accommodation’s Loss of Entitlement Team is currently unable to receive telephone enquiries. DIO is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and the team remains contactable via DIORDAccn-LOETeam@mod.gov.uk. The team can also discuss casework it is currently handling through Skype and on mobile telephones. Team contact details can be found on letters and email signature blocks.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Combat Stress



http://www.combatstress.org.uk

Thursday 2 September 2021

Stay Army Fit At Home - Your Own Personnel Free Training Sessions



There are plenty of exercises that you can do without needing equipment or a gym membership. You can try our free Army Fit App, or follow our playlist of exercise videos from our PTIs to help you improve or maintain your level of fitness.

Click here

Whether you're just thinking about joining the Army, have applied, or are waiting to join, our 100% ArmyFit app can help you prepare.

The App will help you identify where you need the most work - with strength or cardio training, and build a training plan around you. You can also use it to practice 2km runs, recording your time and sharing them with your recruiter when they ask for it.

Designed by Army physical training instructors, the app will help you develop your overall fitness levels, which will help you to build and maintain a good physical standard, without risking injury. The app has videos to help you master the right techniques, and a training programme, designed to help you progress.

Armed Forces Childcare Voucher Scheme – Am I Still Eligible To Claim?


Service parents are reminded to check whether they are still eligible to claim salary sacrifice for their children.
The Armed Forces Childcare Voucher Scheme (AFCVS) closed to new joiners in October 2018. Members still in the scheme and using the vouchers are reminded that they can only claim for children up to the age of 15 (16 if they are disabled). The vouchers cannot be used after the child becomes ineligible. Service personnel must contact Sodexo to stop their claim as this does not happen automatically. Where claims have been made for children who are no longer eligible or where there are unused vouchers, Service personnel should contact Sodexo.

Scheme members who claim for ineligible children will have to repay the taxable benefit gained. Similarly, unused vouchers should be returned. The value of the unused vouchers will be reduced to reflect the tax relief that has been applied.​​​​​​​

Please refer to AFCVS DIN for further details or contact:

DBS – DBSMilPerson-MilOps-CPMT-Mgr@mod.gov.uk

Sodexo - http://www.modchildcare.co.uk/contact-us/

Defence Women’s Network 1st Anniversary Event

 




Click ↑ to secure your place



Read the booklet here

Wednesday 1 September 2021

TogetherAll - Get Physical

 

Exercise is a mood booster; it can help keep you physically AND mentally healthy. Did you know that all of the UK Armed Forces (Serving, Veterans or Family Members aged 16+) have free access to Togetherall, a safe online community with useful self-help resources such as the 'Get Physical' article with tips on how to strengthen your willpower to get active 💪

Join today at www.togetherall.com
 ​

TogetherAll


Everyone's journey to better #mentalhealth is different. That's why opening up and sharing our experiences is so important. Togetherall is a safe, online community for #mentalhealth support, available 24/7 and its anonymous. You can get support, and you can support others. Join today at www.togetherall.com