Thriving Lives Toolkit Webinar, Session 3: Case Study Showcase
Posted in News
The third session in our Thriving Lives Toolkit Webinar Series provided an in-depth look at the 50 new case studies now integrated into the toolkit, with seven available on the website. This project has been a significant undertaking, and we extend our gratitude to the project team for their dedication in compiling case studies from a diverse range of schools across the UK.
Key Highlights from the Webinar
1. The Importance of Case Studies
The case studies provide real-world examples of best practices in supporting Service children in education. By illustrating how different schools address challenges and enhance provision, they serve as valuable resources for school leaders looking to refine their own strategies.
2. The Role of the Naval Children’s Charity
We were delighted to have Claire Shearer from the Naval Children’s Charity, which generously funded this project. Claire emphasized the importance of collective efforts in supporting Service children and highlighted their Doing Distance resources, which help young people navigate separation and loss.
3. Insights from the Project Lead
Matt Blyton, the project lead, provided a detailed overview of the project’s scope and methodology. He explained how schools self-assessed their provision against the Thriving Lives Toolkit’s seven principles, ensuring a balanced representation across different regions, school phases, and Service backgrounds.
4. Accessing and Utilizing the Case Studies
The case studies are designed to be practical, visually engaging, and easy to navigate. Schools can filter them by principle, educational phase, and Service child population within the online toolkit. Additionally, a selection of case studies is publicly available on the SCiP Alliance website, with the full collection accessible through the toolkit platform.
5. The Future of the Thriving Lives Toolkit
The discussion highlighted how these case studies will continue to support schools in self-evaluation, setting objectives, and improving their provision. The toolkit is evolving, and feedback from educators is essential in ensuring its continued impact.
Next Steps
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where participants discussed how the case studies can be used effectively and how the toolkit supports funding applications. We encourage all schools to explore the case studies and integrate their insights into their own practices.
For those who missed the webinar, the recording and slides will be available soon. Keep an eye on the SCiP Alliance news page for updates, and join us for our next webinar, which will focus on the Parents Are Engaged principle within the toolkit.
👉 Explore the case studies and learn more at SCiP Alliance Website

The Service Pupil Support Programme (SPSP)
We were also joined by Kerry Newham from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, who introduced the new SPSP 2024/25 funding programme. This MOD-funded initiative aims to support Service pupils along their educational pathways, helping them reach their full potential.
This year, significant changes include an increase in the upper grant limit from £80,000 to £150,000, with projects expected to be delivered within two years. A new fourth outcome has also been introduced, focusing on the impact of mobility, deployment, and separation on Service pupils’ education. Schools are encouraged to use the Thriving Lives Toolkit when developing project ideas, as it provides a structured approach to identifying needs and planning targeted interventions. Applications for funding close at midday on April 30th, with decisions announced in June.
More details can be found on the Covenant Fund Trust website here.