1. Identifying and Supporting Young Carers

2. What do we already know about:
Who young carers are?
The potential impact of caring responsibilities?
How to identify, support and signpost young carers?

4. There are likely to be young carers in every school
There are estimated to be 700,000 young carers in the UK
The number of 5–11 year olds providing care in England and Wales increased by 83% between 2001 and 2011.
39% of young carers said that nobody in their school was aware of their caring role

5. Many young carers are hidden
“Lots of carers don’t speak up if they are in need of help.”
– Young carer

6. How more likely are young carers to be NEET between the ages of 16–19?
Caring responsibilities can affect a pupil’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, socialisation and the stability of their home environment. It can impact on their learning and experience at school
26%
What percentage of young carers said they were bullied because of their caring role?
twice
How more likely are young carers to be NEET between the ages of 16–19?
50%
What percentage of young carers said they received extra support at school?

7. What is [Name of School] doing?
Taking part in the ‘Young Carers in Schools’ programme.
[Specific support provided by the school for young carers and their families can be added here to make all staff aware of support they should be providing themselves and notifying young carers about].

8. Identification of young carers
“If they’d realised I was a young carer earlier … I could have had earlier/better support and various things needn’t have happened.” – Young carer

9. Example identification process
Follow up conversation with pupil
Staff and professionals are involved
Assessment of needs
Impacts are reviewed and monitored
Appropriate support is delivered
Pupil plans/ Provision maps

10. What young carers want from school staff:
Treat us like other pupils, but understand we … might need extra support
Be flexible
Provide additional help with classwork and homework
Know how to signpost us to support
available inside and outside of school
Raise awareness of young carers in school
If we get a message from home, pass it on to us

11. What have we learnt?
For more information [enter any relevant details about how staff can contact you if they have any further queries].