SSAFA charity donates £1,500 to Larkhill Primary School

SSAFA made the £1,500 donation to Larkhill Primary School to support the school's literacy programme that will help the children develop essential reading skills. 

Chris Hotham, chair of the SSAFA serving community team said: “This is one the largest grants we have approved and we are proud to support the school in such a worthwhile program."

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Larkhill School typically takes children from the serving community in Larkhill, Bulford and Tidworth.

SSAFA said that schools which accept a high proportion of military children face challenges that ordinary schools do not. 

Many children’s families are only posted to the area for two years, meaning disruption and confusion for many children, even mid-term.

It is because of this that average reading levels are sometimes lower, especially among children who come from foreign and commonwealth countries, where English may not be their first language.

The money donated by SSAFA will be used to purchase a programme called "Clicker" which is accessible via the use of school iPads. It encourages children to read as well as helping boost their confidence.

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Chris, a former headteacher, also explained a new initiative by SSAFA called SCT that will run in seven pilot areas around England and Wales, as they aim to involve themselves with serving soldiers, families, communities and local schools.

He said: “We’re all volunteers who fundraise and can offer help to the community through financial support in the form of grants, as well as providing practical help at home.”

The Salisbury Plain Serving Community Team is looking for new recruits to volunteer with them. You do not need a military background, or any knowledge of the military.

For more information visit ssafa.org.uk/volunteer.