Welcome to Castle Primary School webpage for our Service families.

I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself and explain a little more about a very special role that I hold here at Castle Primary School. As well as being the Deputy Headteacher of this amazing school I am also very proud to be the champion for our Service families and children.

I am very pleased and honoured to count myself as a Service child (even after all of these years!) My Father served within the Royal Navy for over 40 years. Joining up when he was just 16 as a Radar operative.

I still vividly remember, to this day, him leaving home for a sustained period of time, not knowing when the next time we would be able to talk to him (during the days before Skype and mobile phones!) I also remember standing on the top of the Round Tower often in the cold (and often wet), waving him out or back into Portsmouth Harbour on the numerous ships that he was deployed to serve on.

Although we do not have a big Forces community I am here to support you and your child should deployment occur, not only an overseas deployment for a length of time, but also for those parents who work away from home for a short period (such as Monday to Friday). I understand and appreciate how a deployment of a family member can be both upsetting and unsettling for members of the family and I have a variety of resources that can support, such as: story books, separation diaries, making memory boxes and an emotional well-being course. If you are aware that a deployment is coming up, please do let me know so that I can work with you to plan the support needed for your child to enable them to continue to access their learning. If you would like any further information please do get in contact via the school office.

I would also like the opportunity for our service children to have time together; to share stories and activities as well share their experiences of being a forces child with other children in a similar situation. Further information on this will be given to your child.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you like more information about how we can support your child and family

Mrs Thomas

Deputy Headteacher

Designated lead for Service Pupils.