New toolkit launch with SCiP Alliance

Harper Adams University has furthered its commitment to support service children in Higher Education through the launch of a new toolkit platform. 

Created by the Service Children’s Progression (SCiP) Alliance, the Thriving Lives Toolkit is the latest platform to support service children in their education. It gives schools a framework, following seven principles, allowing them to reflect on their practice alongside Continuing Professional Development resources. 

As joint partners to the West Midlands Hub, Harper Adams is pleased to support the SCiP Alliance in bringing people together to improve education outcomes for children from Armed Forces families. It is hoped the programme will enable them to make informed and confident transitions through further and higher education into thriving adult lives and careers. 

Rachel Brookes, Widening Participation Officer at Harper Adams, said: “This launch event isn't just a conference; it’s a key breakthrough for widening access within this sector.? 

“Many universities, including Harper Adams, promise to support service children within their access and participation plans, and this toolkit arms us with the proven resources to share with our network of schools. I have great faith in its future success."? 

Minnie Chissel, a second year BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy student, was part of the event and spoke on the Q&A panel, talking about her experience as a service child. She said: "I never even realised I was under a category of 'service child' when I was growing up.? It was only until I worked with Rachel on a SCiP event earlier in the year, and I was identified as a student ambassador with a service child background, that I was in this targeted group for widening access to university."?? 

The SCiP and its West Midlands hub hopes to bring to light how service children can be supported and how higher education can form pathways to better career prospects. 

To access the toolkit, click here.