What does it mean by Young Carer?

A young Carer is someone under the age of 18 who has caring responsibilities for a family member at home who may have:

• A serious or long term illness
• A physical disability
• A mental health problem
• A drug or alcohol dependency
• A learning disability

Young Carers may carry out tasks and household chores such as:

• Preparing and cooking food
• Helping with personal care and hygiene
• Giving medication
• Communicating on someone’s behalf
• Ensuring someone’s safety
• Providing emotional support
• Paying bills

We recognise that taking on such a role may have a negative impact on a pupil and can also affect their education. Young Carers may:

• Be regularly late for school or have poor attendance
• may often seem tired, withdrawn or preoccupied
• Have difficulty in joining in activities outside of school hours (e.g. after school clubs or residential visits)
• Could be a victim of bullying or have difficulties forming friendships
• Be under-achieving academically
• Not hand in homework
• Appear anxious and worried
• Display emotional or behavioural problems
• Have physical problems such as back pain from lifting adults

We have identified a lead members of staff who is responsible for directly supporting Young Carers in school. The lead members of staff are Miss Taplin, Mrs Carter and Mrs Hart. Pupils are aware that they can speak to any member of staff if they feel that they are a Young Carer and would benefit from extra support.

We have established a Young Carers Group in school which is made up of Young Carers, pupils who are eager to support their fellow pupils. If you are interested in being part of this group, please get in touch with us. The group meets each half term to discuss the issues that Young Carers face and how they can best be supported.

A policy has been written which outlines the support we will provide for pupils identified as Young Carers.

For more information please visit the Kent Young Carers website below.

http://www.imago.community/Children-and-Young-People/Kent-Young-Carers