Young Carers Rights in Education Education Link Workers Nottingham Carers Conference 2017 Welcome everyone, introduce yourself and domestics

Young Carers Rights Right to be identified, assessed and supported (Children & Families Act 2014 and Care Act 2014) Right to an education (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989) Right to be safeguarded from inappropriate and excessive caring ( Children Act 1989) Right not to be discriminated due to caring role (Equality Act 2010) OFSTED inspection: As part of the Common Inspection Framework for schools (2015), young carers are identified as a vulnerable group.

How do young carers learn about their rights? Adults working with children and young people need to know who young carers are and their rights; Children and young people need to know who young carers are and their rights. “Raising awareness – the role of the Education Link Worker”

The key CHALLENGE! “I am like the moon. I am not seen unless you look for me” (Young Carer)

Carers Federation, Action for Young Carers ‘Schools & Academies Development Programme’ Rights – Respecting Approach What schools will receive: Designated Education Link Worker Staff training Assemblies – Empower children to self-identify Resources – self evaluation, education pack, AYC app Professionals network – CPD, share good practice Earn Young Carers Champion status - Certificates

Inspiring good practice through high quality training “Great training and relevant. I didn’t know anything about young carers before but now I feel more confident” “I am so glad I have come on this training because it has opened my eyes. All schools should have it” “Very professional delivery with expert trainers. I feel more confident now to try and identify and support young carers in school” “Super informative and very relevant. Made me think my school needs to be doing more for young carers”

The impact....young carers “I have worried a lot at school. Now I have a teacher to talk to who understands.” “Now I can phone home at break time I can concentrate better in lessons, I can check Mum’s ok.” “I have an easier time now with my teachers. They give me extra time to do my homework and understand if I am late occasionally” “I am so glad that AYC came to my school and did an assembly. I didn’t know I was a young carer until then and got help for me and mum”

Consequences if we don’t work together! Remain hidden Dependent on health services Dependent on social care services Dependent on benefits “Children spend a third of their life in school..makes sense to invest for young carers”