RMNEF Newsletter February 2026

News and Noteworthy

SeaFit Health Checks
SeaFit supports the health and wellbeing of fishing communities.  SeaFit is a joint initiative by the Fishermen’s Mission and the Seafarers Hospital Society, bringing free health and wellbeing services directly to ports and harbours across the UK. Clinics offer NHS health checks, dental care, physiotherapy, mental health support and lifestyle advice, delivered at times that work around fishing schedules.
Visit the Fishermen’s Mission website to see where a SeaFit clinic is taking place near you.

A Happy Word from a Current Foundationer
Recently, we supported a student to attend a major international industry conference, providing access to professional networks and learning opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach.
“Thanks to RMNEF’s support, I was able to attend a major industry conference that I would not otherwise have been able to access. The experience allowed me to build valuable professional networks across the mining sector, gain deeper insight into project economics and geopolitics, and have meaningful conversations with senior professionals from international organisations. It was an invaluable opportunity that has strengthened my confidence, clarified my career ambitions, and opened doors for future development. I am extremely grateful for the support that made this possible.”

Rising Pressures on Inclusive Education 
A recent UK survey reports that around one in six autistic pupils (16%) have not attended school at all since the start of the 2025–26 academic year, with mental health challenges and unsuitable placements frequently cited. At the same time, falling pupil numbers in London are expected to lead to up to £45 million in school funding cuts over the next four years, raising concerns about reduced capacity for SEND support and enrichment provision. Together, these developments have prompted renewed calls for more inclusive, well-resourced education systems that can meet complex needs.

Spotlight

Supporting School Attendance and Re-Engagement

At RMNEF, we recognise that school absence is often linked to practical barriers, but it can also be shaped by low aspiration or reduced expectations, particularly where families have experienced disruption, disadvantage, or poor educational outcomes themselves.
Children and young people are far more likely to attend school, engage in learning and persevere when education feels possible, worthwhile and achievable. Where confidence has been lost or where aspiration has never had the chance to grow. The right support can make a lasting difference.
Our work focuses on helping children and young people, enabling them to attend school regularly and succeed once they are there, by removing obstacles and by rebuilding belief in education as a positive and attainable pathway.
In the press recently Anna Maxwell Martin has highlighted discussions on attendance, as long-term absence is rarely resolved through enforcement alone. Sustainable change comes from supporting families, rebuilding trust, and helping children see the opportunities that education can open up.
 

Why This Matters
School absence remains higher than it was before the pandemic.  Currently around one in six pupils in England miss at least 10% of the school year, with the highest absence rates seen among children facing disadvantage, unmet additional needs, or family instability.
Steve Rigby, writing on the school absence crisis for The Times, has noted that absence can quickly become self-reinforcing. Missed learning leads to falling confidence and lower expectations, which in turn make returning to school feel increasingly difficult. Without timely intervention, this can harden into long-term disengagement. Read more here.

How RMNEF Helps Remove Barriers and Build Aspiration
RMNEF supports children and young people at any stage of their educational development, from early years through to professional entry qualifications. Where genuine educational need is identified. Our aim is to maintain access to education, and to support regular attendance, as well as preventing long-term disengagement by combining practical help with aspiration-building support.

Early Years (Daycare, Preschool and Nursery)
Early access to education helps children develop routines, curiosity and confidence, whilst also helping families see education as valuable and achievable.
RMNEF can support by:

• Assisting in early years setting, be it preschool or nursery.
• Supporting transport to and from nurseries and schools.
• Providing early learning resources for home use for example educational toys.
• Supporting early developmental assessments, where delays risk later disengagement.

Primary Education
At primary age, attendance can be influenced by both family circumstances and family attitudes to education. Small gaps can widen quickly if not addressed.
RMNEF can support by:

• Funding one on one tutoring and learning materials.
• Supporting SEND assessments and early interventions.
• Helping with the cost of uniform, meals or transport.
• Supporting short-term home learning during unavoidable absence.

Secondary Education
This is often where absence becomes more visible and more damaging. Fear of being “too far behind” is one of the strongest drivers of persistent non-attendance.
RMNEF can support by:

• Funding one to one or small-group tutoring to help pupils catch up academically after periods of absence.
• Funding Tutoring for subject support and exam preparation when needed.
• Providing essential learning equipment, such as laptops or assistive technology.

Further and Higher Education
At these stages, absence often appears as non-completion rather than truancy, but the impact on life chances is significant.
RMNEF can support by:

• Funding towards living expenses, enabling a student to focus on their studies instead of working a job to fund these extras.
• Funding course materials, travel and essential equipment.
• Academic skills support and tutoring.
• Help to prevent course withdrawal caused by short-term financial hardship.

Career Training and Apprenticeships
Here, attendance is about completion and progression, but it can also be lack of available funds to get started.
RMNEF can support by:

• Funding course fees.
• Funding tools, equipment, travel or exam fees.
• Supporting completion of professional qualifications to career entry level.

The RMNEF is here to help support families facing genuine financial hardship, where educational support is necessary to prevent disruption or disengagement. Where this cannot reasonably be met by other means.
Regular school attendance really matters, and with the right support, both barriers and low aspiration can be overcome. The RMNEF can help children and young people return to learning, stay engaged, and move forward with confidence.

‘Education is the Foundation’ and we are here to enable this.

Dates for the Diary

• February – LGBTQ+ History Month
• 2 February – World Wetlands Day
• 3–9 February Children’s Mental Health Week
• 10 February Safer Internet Day
• 10–16 February National Apprenticeship Week
• 17 February Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)