DIO: Families First Issue 39 Published

 

To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes

 

Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Cabinet Office Administrative Officer position in either London, Glasgow, York, Newcastle, Manchester - Closing Date: 15 July 2026

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme (1 vacancy but multiple locations):

GFIE-496 – Cabinet Office Administrative Officer position in either London, Glasgow, York, Newcastle, Manchester - Closing Date: 15 July 2026

 

Job description: Click here

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): 8 DWP Administrative Officer positions in Bristol, Camberley, Gloucester, Maidenhead, Staines, and Swindon – closing date 12 Jul

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme (8 vacancies in total):

GFIE-494 – DWP Administrative Officer positions in Bristol, Camberley, Gloucester, Maidenhead, Staines, and Swindon

Job description: Click here

Epi - Toy Story 5 - Sunday 27th June

 
Toy Story 5
This Sunday at Galaxy Cinema Episkopi

Bring your toys, bring your friends!

All kids receive a little certificate for attending.

Big laughs, daring missions and festive favourites — don’t miss a moment on BFBS TV - 27/06-03/07/2026 - Week 26

 

Your weekly guide to the must-see TV across all the channels provided by BFBS. Full listings can be found on our website

Movies This Week

From heartfelt adventures to sharp comedy and larger-than-life action, the Summer of Love: Spend Extra-Time, Together season continues with a line-up packed with fun, friendship and unforgettable moments.

Inside Out takes viewers on an emotional journey inside the mind of a young girl as her feelings navigate the ups and downs of growing up.

While The List follows a woman whose search for the perfect partner leads to unexpected discoveries.

And making its premier, Mean Girls with a fresh take on the iconic story of high school cliques, friendships and rivalries.

Outside the Summer of Love season, Cuban Fury serves up laughs and dance-floor drama as an unlikely hero attempts to reclaim his salsa glory.

 Hot Tub Time Machine 2 delivers more outrageous time-travelling chaos.

And finally, Aquaman plunges into an epic underwater adventure as a reluctant hero fights to unite two worlds.

In short: friendship, romance, self-discovery and epic adventures come together in a week of feel-good entertainment, big laughs and blockbuster action.

A* for British Forces Cyprus schools: parents give top marks

 

Defence Children Services (DCS) schools and early years settings in Cyprus have received outstanding results in the 2026 Parent Satisfaction Survey.

Covering 1,148 pupils across early years, primary and secondary schools within British Forces Cyprus (BFC) military bases, families have reported very high levels of confidence and satisfaction across all areas of education and care.

The survey showed that:

• 100% of parents agreed their child feels safe at school
• 99% said they would recommend their child's school to another parent
• 97% said their child is happy at school and doing well
• 98% of parents with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) children said the school gives their child the support they need to succeed

School staff have been consistently praised for their warmth, dedication and professionalism, with many families highlighting the excellent support provided during deployments, transitions and the challenges faced by service families on posting.

One parent summed it up simply: "Hands down the best school my children have attended."

Leigh Drummond, Head of Defence Children Services said:

“I would firstly like to congratulate the schools and staff who earned these amazing results. I am delighted that the efforts made throughout the year by BFC staff are being recognised.

“The fantastic feedback demonstrates the staff’s commitment to nurturing and supporting the pupils in our schools, from nursery all the way up to college. Schools, and those who work in them, play a critical role in helping children thrive in full and healthy lives.

“Parental feedback is really important in allowing us to continuously improve how we develop the education we offer.”

Families were surveyed in the first half of summer term, and questions and statements were designed to align with Ofsted standards. With 20% feeding back on their thoughts and experiences, BFC families doubled the expected return rate – providing the schools with a broad range of valuable viewpoints and insights.

Areas identified for continued development include improving club booking systems, extending after-school clubs and activities, and addressing staffing consistency – and the schools are already acting on each of those points.

These results build on strong performance in two previous annual surveys. They reflect the commitment of every member of staff across DCS Cyprus to providing a safe, ambitious and supportive environment for the children of our serving community.

Dhekelia Amateur Photo Challenge - closing date 3rd July 2026

 

Epi - Armed Forces Day 2026 - 27th June

 

Stagecoach Free travel for Armed Forces for Armed Forces Weekend

 

Free travel on Armed Forces Weekend (27th–28th June)

We're proud to show our appreciation for the incredible men and women who serve - and have served - our country.

As a small thank you, we're offering free bus travel across all Stagecoach services for members of the Armed Forces community throughout Armed Forces weekend.

Here’s who can travel for free:
Serving military personnel in uniform or with a valid military ID
Veterans with a veteran’s badge or military medal
Cadets

It’s our way of saying thank you - for your service, your dedication, and your sacrifice.

DHK - NPLQ - 6th - 12th July 2026

Lifeguard course Dhekelia Swimming Pool

Dhekelia station pool is doing a Lifeguard course to get more lifeguards for the station swimming pool.

Lifeguard Course Prerequisites

Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16 years old or above at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able to:

• Jump/dive into deep water
• Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
• Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back
• In deep water, tread water for 30 seconds
• Surface dive to the floor of the pool
• Climb out unaided without a ladder/steps and where the pool design permits

If you are interested please email: Andreas.parpottas100@mod.gov.uk