Children can sometimes be forgotten in all the political rhetoric about the impending conflict with Iraq.
But schools across Colchester are only too aware of the impact of conflict and overseas postings on children from Army families.
Staff at Montgomery Junior School aim to provide pupils with as much stability as possible in their school life and keep on extra eye out for them while troops are away on operations.
Eighty to 90 per cent of pupils are from Army families and very few of them stay at the Baronswood Way school for more than two years because of the nature of Army postings.
A recent Ofsted report praised the pastoral support pupils are give.
Inspectors said: "The school is especially sensitive to the needs of pupils and their families when their parents are away on military duties for long periods of time and stands ready to offer support and guidance."
Headteacher Graham Eskell said pupils' fathers were frequently on tour for several months each year.
"We have had Kosovo, the Gulf War, there's always something going on.
"We are a stabilising element to these children's lives," he said.
The school also liaises with families offices on the Garrison.
Published Thursday, January 23, 2003
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