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Derby School Signs Armed Forces Covenant

The covenant was signed by head teacher David Brown and creates a commitment on behalf of the school to support employees involved with either the Armed Forces or Cadet Organisations, to participate in Armed Forces Day and to support the education of Service and ex-Service children.

Currently the school has a teacher who is ex-Forces and several of the children are from Forces families.

The school recognises that by employing service leavers and reservists it acquires many different skills and behaviours that are beneficial to the work environment.

Head teacher, David Brown explained: “Having a relationship with Defence is appropriate for this school. One of our teachers has served in the Royal Air Force and we have seen first-hand that her skills and behaviours, developed through her military training, have been very beneficial in the school environment.

 “Furthermore, a number of our pupils are Service children so the relationship with the Armed Forces is important to us. We are pleased to pledge our support for the Armed Forces community through the Armed Forces Covenant.”

From left to right Captain Kieron Atkinson with his children, John Wilson, David Brown and Laura Gunn

 The Ministry of Defence’s Regional Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands, John Wilson said: “The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those connected to the Armed Forces will be treated fairly and, where appropriate, supported by local communities.

 “I am delighted that the school has made this public commitment which is important in the Derbyshire military community.”

 One of the teachers at the school is Laura Gunn who previously served full-time in the RAF. She added: “As a serving RAF member I developed qualities that have been valuable going into teaching and education. Having a high level of self-discipline, resilience, initiative and thriving on working within a team, has enabled me to have a successful career.

 “Working with the youngest children in education needs me to be thinking on my feet and my time in the Forces has ensured my problem solving skills and flexibility has enabled me to achieve this. I would highly recommend ex-Forces personnel to consider a career in teaching, as the skills are transferable and it is as equally rewarding.

 “It is fantastic that Walter Evans Primary School has recognised both ex and current serving personnel and their families and has offered their support through the Armed Forces Covenant.”

 Captain Kieron Atkinson of The Light Dragoons, whose children are pupils at the school also attended the signing. He said: “I am proud that Walter Evans Primary School has shown its commitment to supporting military personnel and the armed forces community; those serving currently and veterans of the armed forces and their families.

“As someone who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, it’s particularly touching that it’s the primary school attended by my children signing the covenant today; I hope it will see the pupils gain a greater understanding of the role the armed forces have in our society.”

More than 2,600 organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant across the UK, 248 are in the East Midlands and 43 of those are in Derbyshire.

To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant visit: www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk