Local Authorities

 

Leading the way in North Yorkshire — and supporting others to do the same

 

North Yorkshire has become a national example of effective support for Service children, recognised for its strong partnerships, high‑quality training, strategic leadership, and deep understanding of the lived experiences of Armed Forces families.

Our approach aligns with the national recommendations of the Living in Our Shoes (LiOS) report, which highlighted mobility, deployment, accommodation, partner employment, and the wellbeing of Service children as key challenges requiring coordinated, multi‑agency action.

It also supports the direction of travel set out in the Brunel Evaluation Report, which emphasised the importance of local authority leadership, collaborative working, and evidence‑led practice in improving outcomes for Armed Forces children.

 

How North Yorkshire Has Set a National Standard

 

1. Establishing a dedicated Service Children’s Champion role

North Yorkshire created one of the earliest and most fully developed Service Children’s Champion roles, long before it was formally recommended nationally.

In 2023, our work was strengthened further when the MOD published a formal job description for a Service Children’s Champion, encouraging every local authority across England to adopt one.
North Yorkshire’s existing model already contains all core elements of that recommended specification — demonstrating years of embedded practice.

 

 

 

2. Acting on Living in Our Shoes recommendations

The LiOS review made 110 recommendations to improve support for Armed Forces families, most of which were accepted in full or in part by the Government.

North Yorkshire has proactively delivered on key areas, including:

  • mobility support: providing guidance on the need for clear transition processes, improved data sharing, and early identification of new pupils
  • deployment support: wellbeing activities, check‑ins, and communication systems
  • workforce training: equipping school and LA professionals with the awareness and skills identified as essential in LiOS
  • child voice and participation: ensuring young people are consulted in line with the “Think Family” approach highlighted in LiOS Revisited (2026)

 

 

Read Living in Our Shoes Revisited

 

3. The Service Children’s Network (SCN) — a model of best practice

North Yorkshire chairs a termly Service Children’s Network, bringing together:

  • schools
  • local authority officers
  • military welfare teams
  • early help and inclusion services
  • national partners and guest speakers

This structure mirrors LiOS recommendations for stronger inter‑agency collaboration, consistent practice, and shared understanding of Service children’s needs. 

 

 

 

Join Our Network

 

4. Building visibility, pride and belonging

North Yorkshire leads some of the largest and most impactful Service‑focused events in England, including Armed Forces Day for Children, Festival of Remembrance, Month of the Military Child, and the Service Children Awards.
These directly support the LiOS call to celebrate the identity and contribution of Service families, and strengthen community connection.

 

 

 

Supporting Other Local Authorities Across England

As national interest grows — especially following the MOD’s recommendation that every authority appoints a Service Children’s Champion — North Yorkshire is well‑placed to mentor, guide, and support others.

 

 

We offer:

1. Mentoring & Strategic Coaching 

We support councils to:

  • understand the Champion role
  • engage schools, military units, and stakeholders

2. Shared Tools, Templates & Resources

We provide access to:

  • CPD materials
  • role descriptions
  • event planning materials

These reflect years of refinement and evidence‑based practice.

 

3. Helping Authorities Launch Their Own Champion Role

 

Using North Yorkshire’s model, we help other LAs replicate:

  • the role structure
  • the SCN network pattern

 

4. Covenant Duty Guidance

 

The Armed Forces Covenant legally requires educational settings and Local Authorities to pay due regard to the unique needs of Service children.

Our work in North Yorkshire already demonstrates how local authorities can meet — and exceed — Covenant expectations by providing:

  • trained champions
  • specialist networks
  • strong transition support
  • proactive family engagement
  • multi‑agency collaboration

 

Why Choose North Yorkshire as Your Partner?

Because we can offer:

  • Proven impact: thousands of children and over 230 schools supported across 2022–2025 
  • Credibility: long‑established leadership and recognised best practice
  • Scalability: a replicable model that works in large counties, cities, and smaller authorities
  • A whole‑system approach: bridging education, early help, SEND, and the Armed Forces community

We’re ready to work alongside authorities who want to build or strengthen their approach.