Coningsby St Michael’s Church of England Primary School, part of LAAT, is celebrating a proud achievement after receiving two prestigious honours at the Lincolnshire Service Awards, hosted by LincHigher. The school’s Military Kids Club was named Service Friendly Club of the Year, while Learning Mentor Natalie Williams was awarded Service Children Advocate of the Year.
These awards recognise the school’s outstanding support for children from military families and highlight its inclusive, nurturing environment. Winners were selected from over 200 nominations submitted by parents and professionals, and only the most exceptional nominees were invited to attend the awards ceremony.
Natalie Williams, who runs the Military Kids Club, received special recognition for her unwavering commitment to service children, not only within the school but across the wider community. In addition to leading the club every Monday after school, Natalie has actively shared good practice as part of the Festival of Friends project, further supporting schools across Lincolnshire in developing their provision for service families.
The Military Kids Club is a vital space for children from military families to relax, share their experiences, and support one another, particularly during times when loved ones are deployed. The children choose the activities, which have included movie nights, baking, arts and crafts, and visits from military personnel on the nearby base. Each child also has access to special deployment bears, which they can take home for comfort and connection during challenging times. Importantly, the club is completely free of charge for families, ensuring that no child is excluded from this vital source of support.
Executive Headteacher Ms Steph Liley said, “We are incredibly proud of Natalie and the Military Kids Club. These awards are a testament to the warmth, care and dedication shown every day to our service families. Being based so close to RAF Coningsby, we know how important it is to ensure these children feel heard, supported and celebrated – and that’s exactly what Natalie achieves with the club.”
Jackie Waters-Dewhurst, CEO of the Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust (LAAT), added:
“This recognition is richly deserved. Natalie’s work exemplifies the values we hold dear at LAAT – compassion, inclusion, and community. It’s inspiring to see the Coningsby St Michael’s team championing the needs of service children so thoughtfully and effectively.”
These honours highlight the school’s dedication to supporting its military community by laying strong foundations for each child’s educational journey, ensuring they feel valued, heard, and equipped to enjoy school life and progress confidently through to further and higher education.
