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DCS Confirmation of Supportability

All children aged 0 to 18 years of age require confirmation that their support needs can be met in the overseas location before accompanying their parent on an overseas assignment. DCS Assessment of Support Needs is part of the overarching MOD Assessment of Support Needs for Accompanied Assignments Overseas Policy.

Wherever practicable, parents need to ensure they submit all properly completed forms 6 months before their assignment and return any additional information that is requested in a timely manner. We urge parents not to progress with any other arrangements for their assignments until both DCS Confirmation of Supportability and medical clearances have been obtained. This includes arranging removals, cancelling appointments or even handing notice in for any spousal employment.

To read more about the DCS Confirmation of Supportability, please read DCS Assessment of Support Needs Information Leaflet 100 (V6 Sept 2023).

Multi-agency Assessments of Support needs Overseas (MASO)

Beyond UK borders, different countries, states and regions may have their own regulations governing both Elective Home Education (EHE) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. This may mean that the level of provision available in Local Authorities or UK schools is not always as readily available in all overseas locations.

Therefore, a MASO may be required when a family move overseas. For example:

• There is a safeguarding concern.
• A person has multiple low-level needs or there are a number of agencies involved in meeting these needs (for example a person is receiving care and support from local authority/equivalent services; has an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP); or
• Has significant need in one area which may be supportable but may impact on another area of needs/areas of need (for example a medical need impacting on social care and/or child’s education), on family life or the undertaking of the assignment/transfer.
• Where parents are considering EHE.

MASOs are raised through the Overseas Education and Supportability Team and involve multi-agency Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). These SMEs give advice to the overseas command about what provision a child will need and whether this is available in location. For additional information about MASOs please see the MASO Information Leaflet 107 (V6 Jan 2024).

Who Are the Overseas Education and Supportability Team (OEST)?

The OEST provides professional information, advice and guidance for Service Personnel and eligible MOD civilians regarding the education of their children in overseas locations. OEST also provides educational advice and support for overseas commands and DCS Schools and Settings.

The team coordinates the DCS Assessment of Support Needs process as per MOD policy for overseas assignments. 

You can contact the OEST for more information by emailing [email protected].

As stated in JSP 342, in countries where the first language is English, children accompanying their parents on assignments are expected to attend local state provided schooling.

It is parents’ responsibility to research and find a school place in areas where there are no DCS Schools and/or Settings. The MOD do not approve schools overseas. If the assignment is to an overseas area not supported by a DCS School or Setting, Service Personnel should liaise with the gaining command and/or the current role incumbent. They may have advice on schools in the area and/or provide details of where service children have attended in the past.

It is important for parents to fully research the local educational provision so that they can fully understand the impact of moving to a different education system. Parents will also need to consider the impact of any transitions from one stage of education to another (for example, the move from primary to secondary school education).

Parents can contact OES Team directly to discuss these points in detail by emailing [email protected].