Launching our Little Troopers Clubs
Yesterday, Louise joined Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, and little troopers from Archbishop Wake CE Primary school to launch our new Little Troopers Clubs. Through these clubs we want to set a national benchmark of support because every move should still feel like belonging.
All schools can now access free resources to establish a Little Troopers Club in their setting. To make it super easy, there are 25 one-hour session plans, physical club packs, digital materials, and training sessions.
This new initiative builds on our commitment to supporting children from military families in education. Our Little Troopers at School programme was launched in 2018 and our Little Troopers Clubs will add to its success.
Louise, Founder of our charity said, “Military children face challenges most of their classmates will never experience. Every time they move schools or say goodbye to a parent serving overseas, they have to adapt all over again. While life in the Armed Forces can present incredible opportunities, it can also come with unique emotional pressures.
“This is why we’re calling on all schools to help mitigate this disadvantage. We want them to act as a constant source of stability and support. We know that teachers are busy and time-pressure. However, we believe by recognising their military pupils in this way, schools can make a truly lasting difference. These children deserve to feel seen, supported, and proud of the important role they play in our Armed Forces community.”
National club launch
Daniel Carter, Headteacher at Archbishop Wake CE Primary school in Dorset, where we held the national launch event today, said, “We’re proud to be hosting the national launch of Little Troopers Clubs. As a school with a number of military families, we see how important stability and belonging are for our pupils. This initiative gives schools a clear framework and fantastic resources to make a real difference. Ensuring military children receive the support they deserve.”
Value of a Little Troopers Club
Anna Broughton, Year 3 teacher at King Charles C of E Primary School in Falmouth has been running a Little Troopers club for over three years. She said, “We realised there was a need to identify our military children when some pupils were coming into school feeling sad or unsettled. Once we started talking to them, we discovered many had parents deployed overseas. Supported by Little Troopers resources, we started our own club, and it’s been transformational.
“The children absolutely love coming together each week. We’ve seen their confidence grow, they’ve formed strong friendships, and are proud to be Little Troopers. Teachers have noticed that the clubs are having a positive effect on the children’s engagement and attainment in class. Parents have also told us how much it means knowing their children have a space where they can feel seen.”
Thank you
We want to say a massive thank you to the supporters of this project; Army Benevolent Fund, BFBS Big Salute, The Grocers Charity, Tesco Stronger Starts
You can visit our Little Troopers Clubs webpage now to start downloading our resources and apply for a special club pack.
