Young Carers

Young carers at Beacon Rise

Download: Young Carers Policy

At Beacon Rise Primary we recognise the responsibilities that some of our children have outside of school such as living with, and helping to look after, a sibling or family member with additional needs or a disability. This is a growing group for our school community and it is crucial that we offer them support which will allow them to thrive in school.

Download: 
Young Carers Award Certificate

Who is a Young Carer?

A young carer is a child or young person who looks after someone in their family who would not be able to cope without them. They may care for someone who has a disability, long term illness or is affected by mental illness or substance/alcohol misuse. Young carers may look after a parent, brother or sister,  or another family member. They take on responsibilities that would normally fall to an adult such as:

  • Shopping
  • Cleaning
  • Washing and ironing
  • Cooking
  • Washing up
  • Looking after siblings
  • Taking care of pets
  • Gardening
  • Managing bills/money
  • Fetching and carrying
  • Help with washing
  • Organising appointments
  • Support with eating
  • Support to manage medication
  • Interpreting or signing

Difficulties faced by young carers.

Young carers are vulnerable and research shows that they are more likely to experience difficulties that their peers. This can include:

  • Isolation and loneliness
  • Lacking confidence
  • Bullying
  • Not having appropriate care
  • Not having access to ‘normal’ childhood experiences, joining clubs or extra-curricular activities
  • Tiredness
  • Poor school attendance
  • Social isolation
  • Feeling worried, stressed or angry
  • Having no support due to being a ‘hidden’ young carer (peers and professionals do not know they are a young carer)

How do we identify young carers?

Young carers are identified in a variety of different ways. Students can self-identify by completing a short questionnaire which can be found on the young carers notice board in Frome Hall or by speaking to Miss Morecroft or Jyoti. School staff and parents can work together to establish if a child is a young carer, this can be done confidentially. We can also signpost you to external support such as Carers Support Centre https://www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk/ .

How do we support young carers?

We run fortnightly lunchtime activity group for children who we identify as young carers. The group takes place alternate Friday lunchtimes and is run by Miss Morecroft and Jyoti (Engagement  worker). There is a programme of activities to join in with but these are not compulsory. The group is designed to be a safe space for children to gather their thoughts, have some quiet time or enjoy eating lunch together. Children can join in with as much or as little of each session as is right for them.

Primarily the aim is for children to have fun and be creative in a safe environment. The group is an opportunity for children to connect and build relationships with key adults in school. From this they can be signposted to further support, should they require it. It will also demonstrates to the children that there are others like them who have similar responsibilities or share similar experiences.

Joining the group is by invitation only and your child is under no pressure to attend if they do not wish to. They can attend every session or drop in if they feel the need to speak to a member of staff. It will provide some time away from the hustle and bustle of the playground, which can, at times be very overwhelming.

If you would like to speak to someone about a young carer at school, please contact Miss Morecroft (SENCO) via school@beaconrise.org.uk or 01454867232.

Raising awareness of young carers

We hold regular assemblies for Years 3- 6, to ensure children are aware of the role of a young carer, who the key adults are who can help them, how to self-identify and what support is available to them in school and out of school. Training for all school staff and school Governors is essential to raise awareness about how to identify young carers and how best to support them. We also work closely with Carers Support Centre to keep up to date with the latest information and support that is available.

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