Young children from Armed Forces communities in Scotland are set to benefit from a new early years project…

The project is being launched by Scotland’s Armed Forces children’s charity, the Royal Caledonian Education Trust (RCET) as part of its education support in Scotland.

A £3,000 donation by St Andrews based charity, The New Park Educational Trust (NPET), has facilitated the purchase of eight resource boxes equipped with books, toys and games to help young children from Armed Forces communities cope with feelings of loss and anxiety during times of separation. The resources also include items that will help encourage friendship skills, and promote taking pride in our Armed Forces.

The early years resources, which were unveiled at an event at Leuchars Community Centre will be distributed to local authorities across Scotland for loan to schools and communities including Fife, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Moray, Argyll & Bute, and the Highlands.

RCET Education Manager Moira Leslie said “Through our work with schools we realised that there was a need for more support for younger children who have a parent in the Armed Forces. This pilot project, if successful, will be rolled out to all 32 regions in Scotland. We are incredibly thankful to the NPET Trustees for their support”.

Col. Martin Passmore, Chairman of the NPET said “The New Park Educational Trust is delighted to be able to support the RCET initiative to enhance early years resources. Such an important project could make a significant difference to a number young people and the New Park Educational Trust congratulates the RCET on all the really good work that it is doing”.

Lieutenant Colonel Ian Foulkes 71 Engineer Regiment said “We are delighted to work with the Royal Caledonian Education Trust to access these materials at Leuchars Station. Our community members will be provided with resources to support the youngest members of Armed Forces families. We have great working relationships with nurseries, schools and other community groups in the area and these resources can only serve to enhance these partnerships. We are grateful to the Royal Caledonian Education Trust for this opportunity."

If your school or community group would benefit from accessing these materials please contact the RCET on 0131 240 2224 or visitwww.rcet.org.uk