Notre Dame School in Derriford, Plymouth has been given a Silver award for their work to make sure students don’t miss out on an education because they are young carers.
The Young Carers in Schools programme helps primary and secondary schools improve outcomes for young carers and celebrates good practice through the Young Carers in Schools Award. To achieve their Silver Award, Notre Dame has demonstrated that it supports young carers in many ways, including awareness raising with pupils and staff, and by building links within the local community. Young carers are consulted with, and vital information is made available to pupils and families, letting them know where to go for help. Young Carers’ Lead at the school, Clare Sampson, explains;” Applying for the Silver Award has helped us to shape and improve our provision. We have a great Young Carers’ team who are all committed to ensuring our young carers get the support they need to succeed in school.”
One such Young Carer is Year 8 student Danielle who adds; “The Young Carers group have cared and looked after me for the past two years. Mrs Brady has let us tell her our problems and helped us find solutions. I am really looking forward to going on a respite trip with the group when Covid is over.”
Young carers are responsible for emotional, practical or physical care for a parent, sibling or other family member who has a physical disability, mental health issue or substance misuse issue. The 2011 Census statistics revealed that there are just over 166,000 young carers in England, but research reveals that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The true figure could be closer to 700,000 young carers in England, equivalent to one in 12 school children, many of whom are unrecognised and unsupported.