Rennie: Armed forces children in Scotland deserve more support

On Remembrance Sunday, Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP stated that his party will provide additional support for the children of armed forces families in Scotland, ensuring that they receive the same level of support as families in England.

The Service Pupil Premium was introduced in England by the Liberal Democrats in 2011. It provides £350 per child of service personnel, paid to schools.

The premium recognises the disruption that can be caused to the education of service families, and the additional mental health and pastoral support they may require.

The SNP government have previously opposed calls to introduce an equivalent pupil premium for services children in Scotland.

Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP said:

“Many young people with parents in the armed forces are forced to chop and change between schools as they move around for their parents’ work. That can be very disruptive to their studies.

“Likewise, the worry of having a parent away in a dangerous place for a long time means they often need extra support.

“The Liberal Democrats’ Armed Forces Pupil Premium would give young people the extra help they need with their mental health as well as their schoolwork.

“Unfortunately, despite the success of this policy in England, it has been rejected by the SNP government.

“We all owe the members of our army, navy and RAF a huge debt. An Armed Forces Pupil Premium would help ensure their children get the support they need.”

Former Captain in the Royal Marines Commandos and Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson for veterans Bruce Wilson said:

“The services pupil premium is a great idea that recognises the additional challenges faced by children from service families.

“I know lots of families who could really benefit from targeted funding like this, helping them with the strains of separation and parental deployment.

“It’s only right that we take a more tailored approach for children whose parents serve in the armed forces. The Scottish Government should be using their powers to bring forward a services premium for children in Scotland.”