First Steps is a project, delivered in partnership with Early Years Scotland, focused on deepening understanding of the lived experiences of babies and young children (0–5) growing up in Armed Forces families. Generously funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, the project explores how factors such as mobility, separation, deployment, and transition can influence emotional wellbeing, attachment, and a child’s sense of stability.
At its core, First Steps brings together the voices of Armed Forces families and early years professionals to co-create learning that is practical, relevant, and grounded in real-life experiences. The aim is to build practitioner confidence, strengthen professional insight, and support meaningful, responsive practice for children and families connected to military life.
This resource hub provides practitioners with access to a range of professional learning materials developed through the project, including:
Featured content includes:
We recognise and value the important work of other organisations in this field. Alongside our own materials, we have signposted a range of trusted organisations offering high-quality early years resources. These additional sources provide further opportunities to broaden knowledge, enhance practice, and support children and families effectively.
This page is designed to be a supportive, collaborative space—helping practitioners access a wide range of insights and resources to enrich their work with Armed Forces families.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Ministry of Defence generously fund our First Steps project.
