St Athan Primary School

St Athan Primary School proudly supports the children of Armed Forces families within their community. They currently have 35 Service children actively involved in their dedicated club, which provides tailored support and connection for pupils from military backgrounds.

Ms. Katie Parker is the current Service Children School Champion at St Athan Primary School. The schools club started regular sessions from 2022.

They were awarded Bronze Armed Forces Friendly School Status in June 2022, followed by Silver Status in July 2024, recognising their ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of Service children and their families.

As part of their continued efforts to improve transition and integration, they have begun creating e-books about the school. These digital welcome packs are designed to support Service children who are moving into the area, offering them a sense of familiarity and easing the transition process.

They have also introduced custom hoodies for all of our club members and military-connected staff, helping to promote a sense of identity, pride, and belonging within the school community.

Listening to the voices of the Service children is central to their approach. Suggestion boxes have been placed across the school and are routinely checked. They also hold termly pupil voice sessions, which have directly informed the current funding priorities. One clear outcome of these discussions has been the creation of a dedicated after-school club for Service children, providing a safe and supportive environment for them to socialise with peers who share similar experiences.

On 30th April 2025, they hosted a Forces Festival for the cluster schools. This event included workshops from Never Such Innocence and Forces Fitness, and they welcomed a representative from SSCE Cymru. The festival provided a valuable opportunity for Service children to connect, express themselves, and celebrate their unique experiences.

St Athan Primary School remains committed to recognising and supporting the needs of Armed Forces families. They were awarded the Gold AFFS status in April 2025, as they continue to develop initiatives that ensure all Service children feel understood, included, and valued within the school community. Congratulations and thank you for all your efforts.