SSCE Cymru commissions study to improve data on Service children in Wales

July 23, 2026

Schools and local authorities encountered difficulty identifying Service children.

What was the situation?

Information about the number and location of Service children around Wales was judged to be inadequate. This made it more difficult for schools and local authorities to understand the needs of Service children. In order to support them, they first need to know who the children are, and the size of the Service child population in their area.

What made this Covenant disadvantage?

Due to the nature of service in the Armed Forces, Service children may experience different challenges to their civilian peers. For example, frequently relocating or having deployed parents. This means they may need different support than civilian children. If schools and local authorities are unaware of which children are from Service families, they may be less likely to provide the support those children need. This means it may be more challenging for Service children to access the support they need than civilian students.

What was done to help?

To improve the information about Service children across Wales, the organisation Supporting Service Children in Education (SSCE) Cymru commissioned a study in 2015 to establish the number of Service children in every local authority in Wales, using data from the 2011 Census. The study also included a survey of schools to gather information about their awareness of issues impacting Service children, and the support already being provided.

In a subsequent data collection exercise, SSCE Cymru worked with local authorities and independent schools in Wales to provide a snapshot of the number of schools with Service children, and the number of Service children, in each local authority in Wales as of March 2021.

You can read more about this work here: https://sscecymru.co.uk/en/research/data/

What was the outcome?

Schools and local authorities across Wales gained a better understanding of the size and location of their Service child population. As a result, they could identify Service children more effectively, and were better placed to understand and provide for their needs.

Wider information

You can read more widely about:

• Covenant disadvantage and special provision (the two types of case study in this database)
• Covenant support for the Armed Forces community: Education
• How schools can support the Armed Forces community and implement the Covenant
• How local authorities can support the Armed Forces Covenant and implement the Covenant

Disclaimer: This case study is part of the Covenant case study database. The database has been developed to illustrate examples of good practice for organisations in scope of the Covenant. It is intended to act as a guide for good delivery, providing practical insight into how fairness for the Armed Forces community can be achieved. Delivery of the Covenant may vary across the UK. This means there is no guarantee the solution outlined in this case study is available in your area.