Hardenhuish School in Chippenham has achieved a Bronze award for its 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.
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 800,000 young carers in England, equivalent to one in five secondary-aged school children many of whom are unrecognised and unsupported.
Research carried out by Carers Trust and The Children’s Society shows that, on average, young carers miss or cut short 48 school days a year and often have lower levels of self-confidence, mental wellbeing and significantly lower educational attainment at GCSE level, because of their caring role. Ofsted’s Common Inspection Framework states that inspectors will look at how well schools support young carers. While some schools are doing this really well, others struggle and this causes real problems for young carers.
Hardenhuish School has earned a Bronze Award for its outstanding support of young carers. The school’s efforts include hosting homework clubs, providing drop-in sessions with a staff member responsible for these vulnerable students, and sharing vital information about identifying young carers with all school staff.
Mrs Percy, headteacher at Hardenhuish School, shared that the school has made significant strides in its support of young carers since one of its Year 11 pupils brought attention to the lack of provisions for this group. Now, the school boasts a Young Carers policy, celebrates National Young Carers Day, has a dedicated noticeboard, a weekly Drop-In Session, and even a unique email address.
Hardenhuish School takes pride in its recognition by The Carers Trust and Children’s Society for the work they are doing with young carers. The picture above is one of the pieces of art work that the group have recently worked on called Friendship Circles Mural, and will shortly take pride of place in the main house at school.
Giles Meyer, Chief Executive of Carers Trust, congratulated Award-winning schools, saying, “The Young Carers in Schools programme is helping to transform schools and support staff across England. Schools play a vital role in a young carer’s life, as many care for relatives without their teachers even knowing what they do.
“On average young carers will miss a day of school each month as a result of their caring role, so the steps schools take to identify and support them can have a huge impact on their learning, wellbeing and life chances.”
Luella Goold, Service Manager at The Children’s Society, added, “Hundreds of schools across England are participating in the Young Carers in Schools programme, using the tools and resources to improve their support systems, and ensuring that no child need miss out on educational opportunities because they are a carer. 74% of schools who have achieved a Young Carers in Schools Award have noticed improved attendance among their young carers, and 94% have noticed improvements in their wellbeing and confidence.”