Pupils attending schools in Helensburgh and Lomond, whose parents are armed forces personnel, will benefit from a further £128,000 from the Ministry of Defence Education Support Fund.

This is the fifth successful bid made by Argyll and Bute Council’s education service since the fund was established in 2011 – bringing a total of £495,820 to local schools.

The fund helps schools lessen the effects on children of moving between schools and service communities with their parents who are serving in the regular armed forces and reserve forces.

The council’s Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Aileen Morton, said, “It is important to the well-being of these children that the transition to one of our schools is as smooth as possible, and we already make significant efforts in this regard.

“This funding is very welcome as we work hard to develop the potential of every one of our young people through providing the best quality learning experience, regardless of how long or short a period they attend our schools.

“The council recognises that the children of serving personnel may face the challenge of having to move from one school to another more often than most, and have particular learning and emotional needs which this funding helps support.”

The council identifies projects to bid for in partnership from the fund, with a consultation group which includes representatives from the Naval Personnel Family Service and parents. The continued success of the council’s bids shows correct identification of where this additional support is most needed.

This latest grant will provide temporary additional Support for Learning teachers and will further develop support for teachers working with young people affected by exceptional deployment.

The grant will enable the employment of a temporary parent support advisor to work with families affected by deployment and will continue the provision of the Here for You one-to-one support service for secondary aged pupils. The Seasons for Growth programme will also continue, helping young people cope with change and separation.

The council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, Councillor Maurice Corry, said, “The children of service personnel make up a much valued proportion of our school population, and I am delighted that we have been successful in securing additional funding aimed at easing their transition into Argyll and Bute’s schools and communities.

“This is the latest example of how the council is working to help our armed forces families integrate into our communities. The council is also represented on the Argyll and Bute Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant Awards Board which considers local applications for funding.”

The number of Service children in Argyll and Bute currently stands at between eight and nine hundred which is approximately a quarter of the school population in the Helensburgh and Lomond area.

The MOD set up the Education Support Fund to help reduce some of the effects of moving away from familiar surroundings and into new ones. The money allows schools to put arrangements in place to ensure children of Service families do not suffer any disadvantage by moving to or through different school systems.

Originally £3 million per year, in 2014 the fund was increased to £6 million per year and extended for a further period until 2017.