Walbottle Village Primary School creates friendship nurture group for Service children new to the school

July 21, 2026

Service children relocated by the Armed Forces faced difficulties building friendships.

What was the situation?

A Year 2 child moved to Walbottle Village Primary School near Newcastle, after their family was relocated there by the Armed Forces. Teachers at the school were concerned about whether Service children in general were able to properly integrate into the school and make friends. The teachers aimed to ensure that Service children moving to the area could integrate into their school.

What made this Covenant disadvantage?

Due to the Armed Forces needing to relocate Service families, their children are more likely to have a disrupted social experience than civilian children, who are more likely to stay in their schools for longer periods of time. These relocations mean it is sometimes more challenging for Service children to socialise with their peers, than it is for civilian students.

What was done to help?

The school worked with the student in Year 2 to ensure they were supported. They also worked to create an environment where all Service children moving to the school could easily make friends with other children already at the school. They focused on the wellbeing of the Service children, creating new support structures such as a ‘friendship nurture group’.

What was the outcome?

The ‘friendship nurture group’ resulted in Service children joining the school being easily able to form friendships despite joining the school at different times of the year to civilian pupils, improving their ability to have a good social experience.

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

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.