Royal Air Force Families Federation

From 1 September 2026, eligible working Service families who live in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can get help with early years childcare costs. If you would get 'free' (Government funded) childcare hours if based in England, Defence's UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) childcare scheme will now help cover the difference in cost where you live. It's important to understand that UKNA does not give you a childcare space.

Friends and family members of UK Service personnel based in The Falkland Islands, Ascension Islands and Diego Garcia will be able to access the MOD Christmas Families Free Mail Service at any UK Post Office/overseas Forces Post Office from 26 Oct - 21 Nov 26, after which the entitlement to a free small parcel service will cease. BFPO numbers/locations which are additionally included within this welfare entitlement, are: BFPO 485 - Diego Garcia. BFPO 494 - Falkland Islands.

The results from the 2026 Reserves Continuous Attitude Survey (ResCAS) are published today, (6 th Aug 2026). 4,587 responses were received representing an overall Tri-Service response rate of 24%. A detailed breakdown of the Tri-Service results can be found on the gov.uk website here. The RAF reports are available for internal viewing on the HQ Air Occupational Psychology sharepoint site if you have access to MODNET.

Written by Ali Stokes, Policy Advisor - Education and Childcare As the new academic year approaches, many RAF families will be preparing for the start of a new chapter in their educational journey.

The RAF Benevolent Fund has released its 2025 Impact Report, reflecting another year of dedicated support for the RAF Family, with vital financial, practical and wellbeing services reaching those who needed them most. In 2025, the RAF Benevolent Fund continued its mission to support serving personnel, veterans, their families and the bereaved, delivering tailored services that enhanced wellbeing, increased independence and improved quality of life.

"The SEN group has been invaluable to our family. It has provided friendship, support, and reassurance during challenging times, helping us feel connected and understood within the military community." Living with first-hand experience of parenting a child with special educational needs (SEN), SSAFA Welfare Officer Sophie Allport and Warrant Officer Chris Daykin, Station Families Housing Officer, pioneered an SEN parent group at RAF Marham.

Results Day Are you preparing for exam results day? Here you can find support for RAF families across the UK and overseas. Results season can be an important milestone as young people receive qualifications that may shape their next steps in education, training or employment. Whether you're waiting for your results or supporting a young person through the process, it's natural to feel a mixture of excitement, anticipation and uncertainty.

For information and updates about new and existing Defence childcare schemes please read these announcements. New early years childcare scheme, UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) to launch from September 2026 UKNA is a new Defence childcare scheme that will support eligible working Service families who live in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

DIO have launched "Housing Matters" a new podcast created for military families. This podcast lifts the lid on military housing and the issues that matter most to Service Personnel and their families. The five-part series has been published and the first episode is