Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes University were awarded £60,000 in November 2023 for their project Supporting ALL to thrive, a study to develop understanding of how the unique and often complex challenges associated with Service life can affect the educational opportunities, experiences and outcomes of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The project will take a comprehensive and holistic approach, working collaboratively with key organisations that support and advocate for Service children and families, to explore the detail of children’s and families’ educational journeys and everyday experiences, alongside statistical analysis of national attainment data

Philip Dent, Director, SCIP Alliance, said of the project: “The research is clear that being part of a military family and having additional needs affecting learning can cause considerable extra challenges. I am delighted to see this project coming to fruition, especially working with long-term partners in the Alliance with a track record turning evidence into action.

Looking ahead, the evidence and recommendations from this project will translate into more targeted resources, a better-informed and more confident workforce, and strengthened policies and provision, with the aim to foster an environment in which all Service children and families thrive.

The project has been welcomed by stakeholders including the RAF Families Federation, who said they are pleased to see further research being undertaken to better understand the experiences and educational outcomes of Service children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We hope that recommendations from this research will help to strengthen policies and provision and support all children from an Armed Forces background to thrive.”