Written question WQ84818

We have provided dedicated funding to the Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE) project, hosted by the Welsh Local Government Association, since 2019. For 2021-2022, we have made available £270,000 and this funding will continue for 2022-2023.

Of this total amount, £70,000 is funding a package of universal support which includes resources for schools, local authorities and families, undertaking research, supporting networks and organising events. The remaining £200,000 is managed by SSCE Cymru to provide focused, targeted support locally where it is most needed.

In September 2020, the Welsh Local Government Association / SSCE Cymru, in collaboration with 160th (Welsh) Brigade, secured £338,000 funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, to introduce four Regional School Liaison Officers (RSLOs) for Service Children in Wales for a two-year project. The RSLOs focus on supporting schools to understand the needs of Service children and embed activities to ensure sustainable support systems. Along with schools and education professionals, the RSLOs work with partners including the Welsh Government-funded Armed Forces Liaison officers, Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces Champions and the charity sector.