School Awards
How the Young Carers School Award Can Help Your School
Young carers have shared their unique challenges of balancing school and caring responsibilities. Based on their experiences, they’ve crafted ten standards that will help schools support young carers and enhance their participation and achievement. See below how you can achieve the Schools Award by meeting these ten standards at your school.
Achieving The Schools Award
Your school can work towards meeting these standards, and once they are achieved and verified by Young Carers Bedford Borough, your school will receive an official award certificate.
Why the Schools Award Matters
- Recognition of Good Practice: The award acknowledges your school’s dedication to identifying and supporting Young Carers.
- Example to other schools: Set the standard of good practice. Be an example to other schools in Bedford Borough.
- Young Carer-Friendly School Status: Being an award recipient signals to pupils, families, and professionals that your school is committed to creating a supportive environment for Young Carers.
- A Culture of Understanding and Acceptance: Your school will foster an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging acceptance and support for Young Carers.
The Importance of Supporting Young Carers
Research has shown that:
- Two young carers are present on average in every classroom.
- 27% of young carers (ages 11-15) experience school absences or academic struggles. This percentage increases to 40% for those caring for someone with substance misuse issues (Dearden & Becker, 2004).
- Bullying Concerns: 1 in 4 young carers report being bullied at school due to their caregiving role (Carers Trust, 2013).
- Higher NEET Rates: Young carers are more likely to be not in education, employment, or training (NEET) between ages 16 and 19.
- Lower Academic Attainment: Young carers typically achieve lower GCSE results compared to the national average.
The 10 Standards for the Young Carers Award
- Young Carer Link Worker: A designated contact person in the school for young carers.
- Visibility: Display information about young carers within the school.
- Awareness: Include young carer topics in school assemblies.
- Dedicated Space and Time: Provide an allocated space and time for young carers to meet or decompress.
- Inclusion in Policies: Ensure young carers are considered in school policies.
- Identification of Young Carers: Actively identify young carers within the school community.
- Homework Flexibility: Offer extensions on homework for young carers as needed.
- Emergency Pass or Password: Allow young carers to check on those they care for during the school day.
- Flexible School Hours: Option for young carers to arrive late or leave early if necessary.
- Collaboration with Other Schools: Build connections with schools also supporting young carers.
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