Young Carers “Promote more effectively the individual needs of young carers within schools to ensure that a supportive approach is adopted that takes sufficient account of their caring responsibilities” “Young people, who care for an adult, or for their siblings, have good access to a range of support services. Despite this, some find it difficult to manage their caring role while attending fulltime education. They feel that channels of communication between the different staff at school are not always good enough in ensuring that their personal circumstances are properly understood and supported.”

Who are young carers ? years old Caring for someone who has illness,disability,mental health or drug or alcohol dependency Regularly carrying out significant tasks and having responsibility inappropriate to their age 4 x more young carers than officially recognised 700,000 in the country

Why is it important to support young carers? 27% regularly miss school or have educational difficulties Increases to 40 %for those caring for someone who misuses drugs or alcohol 68% experience bullying at school 39% said no one at school was aware of their caring role Twice as likely as their peers to be NEET

Young carers top tips for schools Recognise that caring can affect schoolwork Take time to find out about problems at home Don't automatically punish us if we’re late Provide lunch clubs or homework clubs Be flexible about deadlines Include info about young carers in lessons Let us keep our phones and call parents to see if they are ok Teachers to be trained on young carers issues

Identify and support young carers Notice board or school website with information on local support Use young carers resource pack Identify school lead for young carers Young carer policy in school Work with young carers service locally

What could work ; a example of good practice “Our group is still really in its early stages, although we had our first meeting last March. I initially thought that there might be a need for a Young Carers group within the school after seeing a news item on TV showing just how many young people care for others at home and the impact it can have on their lives not only at home but also at school. Although I work in the Inclusion depart of the school, I had no idea who or how many young carers we had here with us.”

“I first contacted our Vice Principal who was very keen on the idea, and has let me ‘run with it’. I also have the full support of my line manager. I began by speaking to our leader of the school’s guidance team, who was very supportive and suggested I get in touch with Young Carers at Wellingborough, who have been brilliant and a mine of information. They already knew of some young carers here, but had to get me permission before they could pass any further information on. This of course all took time.”

“Initially I had a list of nine students who were young carers. I did find that the idea of a Young Carers group at school had come a little late for most of them. The students in year’s 10 & 11 had obviously managed without any help or support from school until now and generally said no thanks This September I’ve added five new year 7 students to my group, who are all keen to come along, so I’m hopeful that by them joining the group as they join the school might forge a better link.”

“As for the activities we have done, we’ve had general getting to know one another sessions, everyone appreciates the tea, coffee and especially the biscuits. We have games and the opportunity to watch a video or just have a chat. We have a Hair & Beauty Salon within school who kindly offered us a pamper session, and did manicures for the group. Everyone appreciated this, even the boys. Also before the summer’s break the Vice Principal invited the group to have lunch with her, it was a good opportunity for the group to have an extra long lunch time, and have ‘the ear’ of a member of our senior staff. They all had a lovely time, plenty of food and they made an excellent impression.”

“I’ve arranged to hold our meetings once a month and have given the group the schedule until the end of the year. I think most of the group are happy with that timing, and they know where to find me if they need help at any other time.”

Using Pupil Premium and Disadvantaged Subsidy to support young carers Funding staff member with responsibility for young carers Training for staff Development of literature and website Weekly support group Payment to young carers service to support young carers

Useful Contacts Northamptonshire Carers Young Carers service ; Carers Support Line ; Princess Royal Trust for carers Children's Society