Oxfordshire military children take part in workshop

The workshop, attended by 40 children, was organised by Oxfordshire County Council in collaboration with Little Troopers, a tri-service children's charity.

The event, held at the Millennium Amenities Centre in Carterton, saw children from St Kenelm’s CE Primary School near Witney and St Peter’s CE Primary School in Alvescot take part.

Military children at the Little Troopers workshop (Image: Katie Amanda) Military children at the Little Troopers workshop (Image: Katie Amanda) Presented online by TV broadcasters Katie Thistleton and Frankie Vu, the workshop included games, drawings, movement, mindfulness, and other activities.

These encouraged the children to explore the unique challenges they sometimes face, such as being separated from a parent due to an overseas deployment or military exercise and frequently moving home and school.

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, said: "Our aim as a charity is to ensure that all schools - no matter how many service children they have on roll - recognise the challenges military children face and are well-equipped to provide tailored support to these children whenever they might need it.”

Military children at the Little Troopers workshop (Image: Katie Amanda) Military children at the Little Troopers workshop (Image: Katie Amanda) Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children, education, and young people’s services, attended the event.

He said: "These workshops are designed to encourage service personnel children to share their lived experiences, to ensure they are both recognised and celebrated.

"I hope the interactive format has strengthened each child’s sense of identity and will help them thrive at school."