Information for Armed Forces Families
At Moray Council, we are committed to supporting Armed Forces families in ensuring a smooth and successful educational experience for their children. Whether families are relocating to Moray, currently residing here, or preparing to leave, we offer tailored information and resources to meet their needs. Our commitment is to provide comprehensive support that addresses the unique circumstances of military life, helping children child thrive at every stage of their journey.
For general information about learning and education in Moray, click here.
The drop down tabs below contain essential information to assist in navigating the education system in Moray.
At the bottom of this page, you'll find a section of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that might answer some of your queries. We recommend exploring these FAQs for valuable insights and answers to common questions. Should you have any further queries after reviewing the information, please feel free to contact us.
The Scottish Government have created a guide which gives key information on what to expect when moving to Scotland. To download the guide, click the button below.
Moray Council
Priyanka Chard
Education Support Officer (Dandelion Project Moray)
For education-related queries about children and young people from Armed Forces families.
Email: Priyanka.Chard@moray.gov.uk
Website: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_section/section_2027.html
Location: Moray Council Offices, HQ, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX
For general enquiries:
education@moray.gov.uk
For queries about a specific school, contact the school directly.
RAF Lossiemouth
Debs Tulip
HIVE Information Officer
A HIVE Information Officer provides current information on relocation, deployment support, and local area details, and connects individuals with relevant agencies as needed.
Email: LOS-RAFLossiemouthHIVE@mod.gov.uk
Website: www.mylossie.com
Location: St Aidan's Centre, RAF Lossiemouth, IV31 6SD
39 Engineer Regiment (Unit Welfare)
Eric Baker
Welfare Officer 60 HQ & Sp Sqn
Email: Eric.Baker906@mod.gov.uk
Website: https://www.facebook.com/39EngineerRegimentWelfareDepartment
Location: 39 Engineer Regiment, Kinloss Barracks, Kinloss, IV36 3UH
Army Welfare Service (AWS)
Susan Reid
Senior Community Development Worker
For queries regarding support and activities for children, young people and families from 39 Engineer Regiment.
Email: susan.reid137@mod.gov.uk
Location: Building 374, Kinloss Barracks, IV36 3UH
Education is managed by the Scottish Government as it is a devolved matter. The education system in Scotland differs significantly from those in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. For Armed Forces families moving to Scotland, this may mean encountering unfamiliar practices and structures.
The Scottish Government provides overarching guidelines for education but grants schools the flexibility to determine the specific content of their lessons. In Scotland, the term 'curriculum' encompasses all planned educational experiences for children and young people, extending beyond just classroom instruction to include the broader scope of their learning journey.
Schools are required to include four core subjects in their curriculum: Health and Wellbeing, Literacy, Numeracy, and Religious and Moral Education (RME).
Beyond these core subjects, schools have the flexibility to:
• implement projects that integrate skills and knowledge from multiple subjects, fostering Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL).
• incorporate local people and places, relevant to their local community, into the curriculum.
• engage students in exploring topics they are passionate about.
Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) is a national framework used by schools and teachers in Scotland to support the wellbeing of children and young people. As an Armed Forces parent, it's important to understand GIRFEC, as it is a fundamental part of how we provide support within our education system.
GIRFEC focuses on offering personalised support to ensure children and young people receive the appropriate help at the right time from the right sources. Schools can provide direct assistance and, with parental consent, may also refer learners to additional services if needed.
Wellbeing is central to the GIRFEC approach, recognising that a child's overall environment impacts their ability to achieve their goals. GIRFEC aims to achieve positive outcomes for children under the Wellbeing Indicators: Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible and Included. This approach emphasises the education of the 'whole child,' balancing academic attainment with the overall wellbeing of the child. This balance is supported through the Curriculum for Excellence, which ensures a comprehensive educational experience.
See Forces Children’s Education’s Understanding the Scottish Education System for more information.
See Notes for Parents and Carers 2024 for basic information about the education system in Moray and also to detail specific areas of government legislation that may relate to a child’s experience at school.
See Parent Zone for more information about the Scottish Curriculum, including assessments.
In Scotland, children typically begin primary school between the ages of four-and-a-half and five-and-a-half. The start date depends on the timing of their fifth birthday:
• If their birthday is between 1 March and the first day of term in August, they must start school at the start of the autumn term (August) in the year they turn five.
• If your child's birthday falls between the first day of school term and the end of February, they may start school at the beginning of the autumn term (mid-August) but for this group of children parents may choose to defer their child's entry by a year. Click here for more information.
Young people in Scotland can leave school at the age of 16. A young person who turns 16 between 1 March and 30 September (inclusive) can leave school after 31 May of that school year. Young people born between 1 October and the end of February can leave school at the start of the winter break (Christmas holidays) in late December of that school year.
Use the birth date and year group tracker provided below to determine the correct primary or secondary class for your child.
For the 2024/2025 school year, please refer to the table below to determine the year group your child will be placed in:
| PRIMARY | DOB |
| Primary 1 | 01.03.19 – 29.02.20 |
| Primary 2 | 01.03.18 – 28.02.19 |
| Primary 3 | 01.03.17 – 28.02.18 |
| Primary 4 | 01.03.16 – 28.02.17 |
| Primary 5 | 01.03.15 – 29.02.16 |
| Primary 6 | 01.03.14 – 28.02.15 |
| Primary 7 | 01.03.13 – 28.02.14 |
| SECONDARY | DOB |
| Secondary 1 | 01.03.12 – 28.02.13 |
| Secondary 2 | 01.03.11 – 29.02.12 |
| Secondary 3 | 01.03.10 – 28.02.11 |
| Secondary 4 | 01.03.09 – 28.02.10 |
| Secondary 5 | 01.03.08 – 28.02.09 |
| Secondary 6 | 01.03.07 – 29.02.08 |
Schools
There are 54 schools within Moray - eight secondary schools and 46 primary schools. All schools are assigned an Associated School Group (ASG), based on a secondary school and its associated primary schools. All schools have a handbook linked on our schools page, the school's handbook will give you a flavour of life at the school.
Enrolment
You can register your child for a school place in Moray once you have received confirmation of your address. To determine your catchment school, simply enter your postcode into our interactive mapping tool here. To apply for your catchment school, you can complete the school registration form online here. Once submitted, the school will contact you with further details.
To apply for a school outside of your catchment area, you will need to submit a placing request here. For details on placing requests and the prioritisation of places, please refer to the Placing Request Guidance Leaflet (PDF). Placing requests are submitted directly to the council. Should any questions arise about the placing request application, you can contact us directly.
Placing requests or enrolment forms can be submitted from 8 weeks before occupying a property in Moray.
Find your Catchment School Placing Request Guidance Leaflet (PDF) Make a Placing Request
Term Dates
When relocating to Scotland from a different education system, it may be noticed that school holidays are quite different. If a holiday is booked and a move to Scotland occurs when schools are not on break, it is advisable to inform the school as soon as possible, ideally during their term time. If the school is closed and assistance is needed, you can contact the education@moray.gov.uk.
Schools are aware of the unique challenges experienced by military families and may offer flexibility in such circumstances. It is important to note that holiday schedules can vary between neighboring authorities.
A typical school year in Scotland begins in August and ends in June, with summer holidays taking place in July and the beginning of August.
Throughout the school year, there are five in-service days when staff undergo training, and the school is closed to learners. Each Associated School Group,(ASG) may have one day in the year where it is specifically chosen to support the ASG, which means the school will be closed to pupils, so checking the term dates for the current session is advisable.
Parents and carers in the Armed Forces (Regular, Reserve, and Veterans) are encouraged to inform their child's school of their service status. This ensures the school can collaborate effectively to provide informed support if and when it is needed.
For more information download the guidance document
.
The Scottish education system recognises that every child and young person is unique, and some may require extra support to reach their full potential. In Scotland, the term ‘Additional Support Needs’ (ASN) is used instead of ‘Special Educational Needs and Disabilities’ (SEND) as seen in England, Special Educational Needs (SEN) in Wales and Northern Ireland. ASN is more broadly defined, covering both short-term and long-term support based on the individual needs of the child. Importantly, a formal diagnosis is not required for a child to receive support.
Children may require additional support for various reasons, including physical or sensory challenges, social or emotional difficulties, frequent relocations, or dealing with a family loss. These needs can be temporary and manageable within the school or more complex, requiring collaboration among multiple professionals, such as teachers, healthcare providers, social workers or voluntary organisations.
Moray is an inclusive authority, dedicated to helping children and young people who need extra support to thrive in their education. While we don't have special schools, we offer enhanced provisions in all eight secondary schools and ten primary schools, aiming for as much participation in mainstream education as possible.
We follow a Staged Intervention Process, guided by the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) framework, to identify and plan for additional support needs. If your child requires support, it's crucial to contact the school as soon as possible to ensure they receive the appropriate assistance.
While Scotland does not use Statements of Need, existing documentation can be helpful for educators in determining how best to support your child. It is possible to attach and upload such documentation when making a placing request or when enrolling your child for school.
Children of Armed Forces personnel are particularly recognised for potentially having additional support needs due to frequent moves and the effects of separation and deployments. If your child is experiencing challenges with their learning, it’s important to communicate with the school to address their needs effectively.
The Welfare and Community Support Teams at Kinloss Barracks, and RAF Lossiemouth offer a variety of activities and packs during deployment periods and provide support to the entire family. For contact information and details, click on the poster below. If the serving parent in your family is currently deployed and you haven’t yet been contacted by their parent unit, but would like to receive deployment support, please reach out to the unit using the information provided in the flyer.
To ensure your child's school can offer the appropriate support to you and your child, please inform them of any moves, deployments, or service duties as early as possible.
Families in Moray have shared the following helpful tips to stay connected and supported during these times:
- Sending a Care Package
Create a care package for the deployed parent, filled with their favorite treats, artwork, schoolwork, letters, photos and handmade cards. This personal touch can bring comfort to both the sender and the recipient.
- Learning About the Parent's Location
If the deployed parent’s location is known and appropriate, take time to learn about the area they are in. Understanding the local culture, language and geography can make conversations more meaningful and help children visualise where their parent is.
- Staying Connected Through Calls
Whenever possible, arrange for phone or video calls. Hearing and seeing the deployed parent can greatly ease the emotional strain of separation for both the parent and child.
- Stay Connected with Huggable Keepsakes
Consider exploring huggable products that allow children to feel closer to their deployed parent. These keepsakes can feature the parent’s image, offering a comforting and tangible way for children to maintain a connection during periods of separation
- Using Recordable Devices
If you have a talking tin or any recordable device, ask the serving parent to leave a message that the child can listen to while they’re away. This can be a comforting way for children to hear their parent's voice anytime they need it.
- Storywings Books for RAF Families
RAF families can access Storywings books through the RAF Benevolent Fund. These books are designed to help children feel connected to their parents even when they are far away. Get in contact with the HIVE at RAF Lossiemouth for more information.
- Reading Together with Reading Force
Request a book from Reading Force to read together before the parent leaves. This can help maintain a shared activity that can continue through letters, calls, or video chats while the parent is deployed.
- Connecting with Others
Talking to others who are going through similar experiences can provide comfort and a sense of community. Be sure to inform your child’s school about any upcoming deployments so they can offer additional support if needed.
- Participating in Deployment Activities
Check with your local Armed Forces unit about deployment-related activities or events. These can provide both a distraction and a way to connect with others in similar situations.If your parent unit is in Moray, click here to find out their contact details.
- Journaling and Expressing Emotions
Encourage your child to keep a journal where they can write down their feelings and experiences during the separation. This can be a therapeutic way to process emotions.
- Reading Books on Separation
There are many books available that address the challenges of separation. Click here for a list of recommended books that can help children understand and cope with their feelings during this time.
- Creating a Countdown Calendar
Create a countdown calendar to mark the days until the parent returns. This visual representation can give children a sense of time and help them look forward to the reunion. A note of caution with this activity, return to unit dates can sometimes change.
- Establishing a Routine
Maintaining a consistent daily routine can provide a sense of stability for children during periods of separation. Routines help children know what to expect each day and can reduce anxiety.
Additional Resources and Support
Remember to explore all available resources, including support from schools, military organisations, and community groups. Staying informed and connected with these resources can make a significant difference in managing the challenges of deployment and separation.
In Moray, various grants and bursaries are available to provide financial support to students and families. These include free school meals, clothing grants, and Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs). Each grant or trust has specific eligibility criteria, which you can learn more about by clicking here.
A new tool has also been introduced to help you navigate the initial steps for accessing financial advice in Moray if families concerned about money. Visit the web page here for more details.
The Service Pupil Premium (SPP) provides extra funding to support service children in England only. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland do not have an equivalent SPP, but they have their own policies in place to support children from Armed Forces families. In Scotland, your child will receive robust support, as funding from the Scottish Government considers factors such as mobility and educational challenges, ensuring that Armed Forces children are fully included.
In Moray, the Dandelion Project is actively collaborating with schools to enhance support for military children. To ensure children receive the necessary assistance, families are encouraged to inform their child's school of their Armed Forces status.
Individual Funding Opportunities:
Armed Forces Education Trust (AFET) can support individual children who need funds to support their education.
The Alexander Duckham Memorial Schools Trust makes grants to people in financial need who have/had a child-parent relationship with a member/former member of the RAF.
Forces Children Scotland can support students, from Armed Forces communities enrolled in college and university courses across the United Kingdom in several ways.
The Scottish Government currently funds early learning and childcare a year for three, four and eligible two year olds. In Moray, this is delivered by a combination of school nurseries, independent (private and third sector) early learning and childcare providers, and childminders.
Since August 2020 all three and four year olds and eligible two year olds in Moray are entitled to up to 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare per academic year (August to July), paid for by the Scottish Government.
More information about Early Learning and Child Care in Moray
Q: How can I find more information about a specific school?
A: To learn more about each school, we recommend visiting the school’s official website and reviewing their annual handbook. The handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the school’s culture, policies, and key information.
Q: Is my child eligible for free school meals?
A: All pupils in Primary 1-5 in Scotland are currently entitled to free school meals. We are awaiting further guidance from the Scottish Government regarding the proposed extension of this entitlement to include Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils. For the latest updates on free school meals and clothing grants, please click here.
Q: My child received Service Pupil Premium in England. Will this continue in Scotland?
A: Service Pupil Premium is an initiative specific to England. In Scotland, all children are supported through the GIRFEC (Getting It Right For Every Child) framework. Some schools may seek additional funding through various programmes. For specific inquiries about support for Armed Forces children at your child’s current or prospective school, please contact the school directly.
Q: My child is currently in Reception in England, but due to different age banding in Scotland, they wouldn’t yet be in Primary 1. How can I ensure they continue their education?
A: Since your child is currently in full-time education in the UK, they are entitled to continue receiving the same education in Scotland. When registering for a school place, please include this information in the additional comments section.
Q: I am concerned that my child will be placed in the wrong year group due to differences in age banding across the UK. What can I do?
The Scottish Government determines year group banding based on the date of birth of your child. You should register your child following the standard process for Moray Council. Curriculum for Excellence is designed to meet the needs of children where they progress according to their ability within their appropriate age year group. Once a school place is confirmed, you may discuss the possibility of moving your child to a year group within the school. Any such request must be supported with evidence and will be subject to review by the Head of Education (Chief Education Officer),
Please consider the following:
- How long your child is expected to be in the Scottish Education System, particularly if they will only be in the system for a short period versus the entire duration of their primary or secondary education.
- The age difference between your child and their peers in the desired year group, as this could impact social experiences, assessments and the timing of leaving school.
- Your child’s current maturity level and how it may change in the coming years.
Q: My child received additional support at their previous school. How will this support transfer to Scotland?
A: All schools in Moray adhere to the GIRFEC framework, which provides universal support within the classroom. If additional support is required, the school will follow the staged intervention model to assess the appropriate level and type of support needed. When registering for a school place or submitting a placing request, be sure to include any additional information that outlines the child's support needs. There is a feature within the registration or application process where documents can be attached to provide this information.
Q: My child had a statement for their educational needs in England. Is this recognised in Scotland?
A: In Scotland, support is provided through a staged intervention process, which guides professionals in planning the appropriate support. This process helps the team around the child determine the necessary level of support and the most suitable plan. Moray Council offers three stages of support, which you can view here. While verbal agreements can often meet your child's needs, written support plans are also available to provide added clarity and structure for their ongoing support. Schools will work in partnership with you to determine the best solution for your child’s needs.
The key written support plans include:
- Individualised Educational Programmes (IEPs)
- Coordinated Support Plans (CSPs)
- Child’s Plans
If you would like more information about how support is planned, you can visit the Enquire website.
Q: Is there a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in Scottish schools?
A: All schools in Moray have at least one Support for Learning (SfL) Teacher who is dedicated to supporting pupils with additional support needs. This is a specific remit different to that of a class teacher.
Q: How will the support my child received in their previous school translate to Scotland?
A: Ensure that all relevant paperwork and documentation are transferred to your child’s new school in Moray. This will help the school understand the support your child previously received and how they can continue to support them. Schools work closely with families and will keep you informed of any discussions regarding additional support.
Q: What support is available for my child if a family member is deployed or away for an extended period?
A: Please ensure that your child’s school is aware of your status as an Armed Forces family and inform them if a parent will be away with work. Informing the school enables them to put appropriate support in place for your child. For additional resources and contacts view the 'Support for Deployment/ Periods of Separation' drop down tab above.
Contact Us
Priyanka Chard
Education Support Officer
Dandelion Project Moray
07929784839