Children from service families enjoy dedicated day of fun

Held at Ufton Court last Wednesday, the children faced group activities such as orienteering and den building, and watched a fly-past of chinook and Merlin helicopters.
Alongside this, a conference for parents and education and welfare professionals who work with children from service families was held.
Organised by West Berkshire Council, more than 100 children from 12 primary and two secondary schools attended.
One parent, Julia Hoaen, said: “As an RAF wife it was great to hear that the issues our two primary age children face are understood and can be cared for in school.
“The range of experiences of service children is broad, and it was good to hear that that is understood too.
“Children's responses to the same events and circumstances differ between children, and the same child will react to similar events differently at different times...I thought at last - someone understands.”
The executive portfolio holder for children and young people at West Berkshire Council, Irene Neill (Con, Aldermaston), added: “It was a fantastic day enjoyed by all, however we mustn't forget the reason we are here which is to make sure we give children whose parents are away on deployment or have to deal with frequent school moves get the support they need.
“Hearing about some of the key issues that affect those children will help our education professionals do this more effectively.”