Young Carers Support Page 

Young Carers are children and young people under 18 who provide or intend to provide care for another person of any age, except where that care is paid for or carried out as voluntary work.

A Young Carer quite often takes on responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult. Research suggests in the Wakefield area, on average there are 4 Young Carers in every primary school classroom.  Many do not realise they are a Young Carer. No matter how big or small their caring role, many Young Carers say that it has an impact on their wellbeing as they spend a lot of time worrying about their loved ones when they are not with them.

For many Young Carers, caring can have positive and rewarding aspects, however we know that many Young Carers may need extra support to enjoy, achieve and reach their full potential in school.  This can only happen if they are supported effectively. In order to do this we are working closely with Wakefield Young Carers Service to achieve the Young Carers in School Award. This will include the option of 1:1 sessions and peer group support in our school.

At Stanley St. Peter’s Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that all students who are Young Carers are identified.

We aim to do this by:

• On entry to the school – Young Carers are identified on the application form.
• Having open honest relationships with our students and their families, doing all we can to know them well.
• Following up information shared by other schools.
• Following up information shared by other agencies.
• Awareness raising collective worships and items in newsletters e.g. during Young Carers’ Week.
• Having a great partnership with Young Carers Wakefield support service.
• Ensuring our staff are trained and able to identify Young Carers in the school.
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We aim to do this by ensuring our staff know:

• How to identify Young Carers
• How their caring roles can impact on their ability to participate fully in school. (Lateness or poor attendance, problems with concentration, under-achievement, tiredness, anxiety, inability to attend extra-curricular activities.)
• The potential for social isolation or bullying.
• Making reasonable and supportive adaptations.
• Difficulties in engaging parents such as parent evenings.
• Staff are aware of the co-ordinator’s roles for Young Carers and the ways in which they can signpost support as required.
• Staff will be regularly updated on how to support Young Carers on a regular basis.
• How to refer Young Carers to the appropriate Young Carers Service.

We value the importance of working together in partnership with other agencies e.g. Wakefield Young Carers to ensure that a personalised support for Young Carers and their families is achieved throughout the school community.

If you would like more information, please contact Leanne Hick the designated Young Carers Lead who will be happy to answer any of your queries.

If you need some support from the Young Carers’ Leaders come and see Mrs Hick or Mrs Dougan at break time and lunchtime.

Our doors are always open.

Useful Websites

Should you require any assistance or advice around safeguarding and well-being please click on the links below to the websites or ring the number.

Child Line : 0800 1111

NSPCC : 0808 800 5000

Barnados : 0800 11 11

Samaritans : 116 123

Compass : 01924 665 093

WF-I-CAN is a place to find information and advice as well as self-help tips that can increase your confidence and resilience

Please click the link below: