Young Carers
What is a young carer
A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who helps look after a relative who has a condition, such as a disability, illness, mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol problem. Most young carers look after one of their parents or care for a brother or sister.
It is estimated that there are about 700,000 young carers in the UK. That’s about one in 12 secondary aged pupils. There are likely to be young carers in every school and college. Young carers may perform practical tasks, such as cooking, housework and shopping. They may provide physical care, such as helping someone out of bed or emotional support, such as talking to someone who is distressed or help someone communicate. Often they may need to aid a family member with their personal care, such as helping someone dress. Young carers may even manage the family budget, collecting prescriptions and help to give medicine. They could even be responsible for looking after brothers and sisters.
- Being a young carer can have a big impact on the things that are important to growing up:
- It can affect a young person’s health, social life and self-confidence.
- Many young carers struggle to juggle their education and caring which can cause pressure and stress.
- In a survey, 39% said that nobody in their school was aware of their caring role.
- 26% have been bullied at school because of their caring role.
- 1 in 20 miss school because of their caring role.
- But young people can learn lots of useful skills by being a young carer.
Young Carers in School
The Academy is committed to meeting the needs of young carers so that they are enabled and encouraged to attend and enjoy school and have equal access to their education as their peers.
A school lead has been assigned with responsibility for young carers and their families. In our Academy Mr Dan Scallan has responsibility for young carers and is supported by Mrs Lesley Browning.
- The Academy uses Pupil Premium to minimise any barriers to education and learning experienced by eligible young carers to improve their wellbeing , attainment and attendance.
- The Academy has an effective referral system and strong partnership in place with the local young carers service.
- The Academy actively seeks feedback and ideas from young carers and their families in order to shape and improve provision for young carers.
click here to access link www.northamptonshire-carers.org/young-carers
