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Supporting Babies and Children from Armed Forces Families

First Steps

This practical guide supports early years practitioners working with babies and young children from Armed Forces families. It highlights both the strengths children bring and the impact of transitions, separation, and change.

The resource shows how familiar early years approaches—grounded in relationships, play, and emotional security—can support continuity, belonging, and wellbeing.

It includes guidance on how to:

  • Build belonging through understanding and connection
  • Support emotional wellbeing during periods of change
  • Maintain continuity through transitions and moves
  • Strengthen partnerships with families and wider networks
  • Recognise children’s strengths while responding to changing needs

This resource was developed in partnership with Early Years Scotland.

Download the resource


The First Steps Project was funded by