Teacher Training

Do you want to learn about supporting Young Carers in your school?

How many Young Carers are there?

According to the 2021 Census, there were approximately 120,000 Young Carers aged between 4 and 17 in England

Young Carers Bedford Borough support around 1,500 Young Carers.

This is widely believed to be the tip of the iceberg, with some estimates suggesting that as many as 1 in 4 school children are Young Carers

Only 46% of teachers think their school provides the support Young Carers need, while 23% of Young Carers say they get no support at all.

The Impact of Being a Young Carer

Why should schools identify Young Carers?

Caring responsibilities can have a profound effect on a child’s life. Young Carers often face challenges such as:

Lower educational attainment – Many struggle to keep up with schoolwork due to time spent caring.

Increased school absences – The impact of COVID-19 has exacerbated this issue, making it even harder for Young Carers to stay on track with their education. Young carers are missing on average 23 days of school every year – that’s more than a month in total.

Social isolation – Caring responsibilities can limit opportunities to socialise and take part in activities with peers.

However, with the right support, Young Carers can have a better chance of thriving in all areas of life. Ensuring they receive the help they need is essential for their wellbeing and future opportunities

How to identify a Young Carer in Your School.

Spot The Signs, Ask The Question

Regular lateness
Low attendance
Not completing homework
Tiredness
Low attention span
Lack motivation
Low mood/mental ill-health
Change in behaviour – becoming aggressive or angry, withdrawn or quieter.
Anxious
Parent/guardian uses disabled parking space
Lack of parent/guardian attending parents evening/other school events
On pupil premium/free school meals

Not attending school trips or afterschool clubs and activities

Change in hygiene/appearance

Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference for Young Carers

There are simple yet meaningful ways you can help ensure Young Carers are recognised and understood:

Spread the Word – Raise awareness by sharing information with colleagues, write posts on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to help others understand what it means to be a Young Carer.
Display a Poster – Could you put up a Young Carer poster in a school, community centre, GP surgery, clinic, hospital, library, or even in a shop window? Every little effort helps raise awareness – Just get in touch with our team!
Take Time to Listen – Learn more about the experiences of Young Carers, how to support them, and ways to be a good friend to someone in a caring role.
Fundraise for Young Carers – Whether you organise a bake sale or make a donation, your support will make a real difference to the lives of Young Carers.
Stay Updated – Sign up for to our ‘Bedford Borough Young Carers School Network’ meetings and our email newsletters to receive important updates and essential information for carers of all ages.
Recognise and Support Young Carers – Our Carer Friendly Schools Award helps organisations demonstrate their commitment to identifying and supporting carers in their communities.
Register In School – Register Young Carers with Young Carers Bedford Borough and ensure all young carers are recorded on the school census in your school.

How We Can Help

Carry out a Young Carer Assessment for the young person and create a support plan to help them in their caring role

1:1 support through schools visits or regular drop ins

Young Carer Awareness Assemblies & Staff Briefings

Support families with Young Carers to apply for NHS Carers Grants

Wellbeing service using a CBT approach (eligibility criteria applicable)

"Did You Know?" workshops on various conditions

Young Carers story time sessions in primary schools (must be booked in advance)

Facilitation of monthly peer support groups for Young Carers to get respite

Young Carers residentials, activities & outings

Helpful Websites

Publications

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