FAO RAF personnel and their family members: RAF Family Federation Awareness webinars

 

Want to know more about the RAF Families Federation?

Join upcoming webinars at 1500hrs on 1st and 4th Sept.

Register to attend by emailing: enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk

Milspo: FREE Business Launch Accelerator Course, Online from September

FREE MOD-funded, online business start-up course for spouses and partners of UK Regular and Reserve Armed Forces.

Want to turn your idea into a business that fits around this beautiful thing we call modern military life?

Then apply to join the Business Launch Accelerator Course.

Learn how to launch and grow a successful business around deployments, postings, childcare and all the unpredictability of UK Armed Forces life. It’s a course specifically created FOR military spouses BY military spouses, so flexibility is built in.

This 8-week online course is designed to take you from an initial idea to a full-fledged start-up business and provides a clear roadmap and the tools and support you need to succeed. Plus, you’ll get to know a group of other amazing military spouses and partners with similar goals.

It’s fully funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the MOD, which means it’s completely free for those taking part.

Find out more and apply to join the next course which starts on 15 September 2025:
https://milspo.co.uk/course/

Have Your Say: Accompanied Established Long-Term Relationship Overseas Pilot Survey open until 14 Apr

To take part in the Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas Pilot Survey please click HERE (survey open from 08 Jan 25).

More information is available on Sway HERE.

Civilian Housing Briefs 2025

Co-ordinated School Admissions (England)

What is co-ordinated admissions?

 
This advice applies if you have a child starting primary school (Yr R) or secondary school (Yr 7) in England for the first time (please note some LAs have a middle school point of entry also).

Applications for school places at these points are run on a national co-ordinated scheme. All admission authorities work to the same dates and timescales which are set in the School Admissions Code.

For more information click here

Updates to Early Years Provision

The government is expanding early years and childcare government funding to working families from April 2024 which will enable working families of two year old children to access up to 15 hours of government funded early years education a week (based on 38 weeks). This will be expanded from September 2024 for working families of children after they have turned nine months and then from September 2025 this will be expanded to 30 hours. For more information and parents to check their eligibility visit: Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK

There will also be an expansion of wraparound childcare ​places in settings from September for families who need it with children from Reception Year to Year 6. This plan is aimed at families who need wraparound provision from 8 am – 6pm term time only should have access to it within their local community.

There is also government start up grant funding available currently to encourage people to become registered childminders. The website where applications can be made for the start up grant can be found here: Apply for a childminder start-up grant - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) compensation schemes

When things go wrong​

Pinnacle administer the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) compensation schemes. You may be entitled to compensation under one of DIO’s compensation schemes if you have experienced;

​Missed appointments

Incorrect Tradesperson

Failed move in

Total loss of heating/cooking facilities

Hotel subsistence

Claims must be submitted within 28 days of the date the issue occurred.

​More information is available HERE

Regional Command (HIVE & Family Support) Non-UK National Support

 

Pinnacle Group Free Coaching & Mentoring

 

National Cyber Security Centre - Phishing: Spot and Report Scam Emails,, Texts, Websites and Calls

'Phishing' is when criminals use scam emails, text messages or phone calls to trick their victims. The aim is often to make you visit a website, which may download a virus onto your computer, or steal bank details or other personal information.

This link explains how to report phishing attempts, and protect yourself from scammers - CLICK HERE​

JSP 534 - Tri-service resettlement manual - Updated June 2023

JSP 534 - The Tri-Service Resettlement Manual has now been updated - see HERE for full details.

Separation and divorce guide for military personnel spouses and partners

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/separation-and-divorce-guide-for-military-personnel-spouses-and-partners

A little bit about HIVE...

 

Voter ID requirement

From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.​

With changes to the requirement, please check The Electoral Commission to see what the requirements are in your area.

Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces (SCOAF)

The Ombudsman provides independent and impartial oversight of the Service Complaints system for members of the UK Armed Forces

Further information can be found HERE

New/Existing Repair Form Pinnacle

​​To assist the NSC with reducing call waiting times​​, if you are aware of anyone with non urgent repairs, please use the link provided.

https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/repairs/new-existing-repair-form/

Forces Help to Buy Scheme - extended

From 1 January 2023, The Forces Help to Buy Scheme will become an enduring policy, ensuring its availability to all service personnel now and in the future.

For more information please click here​

Keeping your children safe this Halloween

 

Halloween can be an exciting time of year for children, dressing up and going out after dark. But, whilst Halloween is supposed to be spooky there are some horrors that families will want to avoid.

Here are some top tips for a safe Halloween that you can remember for all the right reasons.​

Reading Well for teens

 

A new 'Reading Well for teens' collection launched in public libraries in England and Wales on World Mental Health Day 2022.

The scheme supports the mental health and wellbeing of teenagers aged 13 to 19 years old, providing information, advice and support to help them better understand their feelings, handle difficult experiences and boost confidence in a post-pandemic context. Click the link below for details.​​


Reading well for teens

Dispelling HIVE Myths