Young Carers

At Little Parndon Primary Academy, we are committed to developing provision for young carers and their families. 

We recognise that young carers may have additional responsibilities at home which can impact their education, wellbeing, attendance and social opportunities. Our aim is to ensure that every young carer feels supported, valued and able to achieve their full potential. 

We are committed to widening our provision, building on the needs of our pupils and continually reviewing our support to ensure we meet the needs of young carers and their families. 

What is a Young Carer? 

A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who helps to care for a family member who may have: 

• A physical disability or long-term illness 

• A mental health condition 

• A learning disability 

• Additional support needs 

• A substance misuse issue 

Young carers may provide practical help around the home, emotional support, assistance with personal care, support with communication, or care for younger siblings. 

Many young carers do not realise they are young carers, and families may not always identify themselves as needing support. This means some children may be carrying significant responsibilities without accessing the help available to them. 

How Can You Identify a Young Carer? 

Every young carer's situation is different; however, some signs may include: 

• Regular worry about a family member 

• Tiredness or difficulty concentrating 

• Changes in behaviour, confidence or emotional wellbeing 

• Frequent lateness or absence from school 

• Difficulty completing homework 

• Taking on responsibilities beyond what would normally be expected for their age 

• Missing out on social opportunities or extracurricular activities 

• Talking about helping to care for a parent, sibling or other family member 

If you think your child may be a young carer, we encourage you to contact the school so we can discuss how we can help. 

Our Commitment 

The whole school is committed to meeting the needs of young carers so that they can attend and enjoy school in the same way as other pupils and achieve their full potential. 

We have appointed Mrs Gorur as our Designated Young Carers Operational Lead with responsibility for young carers and their families. 

Pupils and families can contact Mrs Gorur and access support by either calling the school office or emailing: 

YC@bmatlittleparndon.org.uk 

The school only shares information with professionals and agencies on a need-to-know basis in order to support pupils and their families. 

Little Parndon Primary Academy actively seeks feedback and ideas from young carers and their families to shape and improve support and ensure that our provision continues to meet their needs. 

Support Available in School 

We offer a range of support for young carers, including: 

• A designated Young Carers Lead 

• Weekly Young Carers Club 

• Regular wellbeing check-ins 

• Emotional wellbeing and pastoral support 

• Access to trusted adults within school 

• Opportunities for young carers to share their views and influence provision 

• Support with attendance, punctuality and learning where caring responsibilities have an impact 

• Signposting and referrals to specialist support services 

• Participation in activities that celebrate and support young carers 

We understand that every young carer's circumstances are unique and support is tailored to individual needs. 

Raising Awareness 

At Little Parndon Primary Academy, we are committed to raising awareness of young carers across our whole school community. 

Each year we: 

• Deliver whole-school assemblies to raise awareness of young carers and the support available. 

• Welcome Danielle Dean, Young Carers Schools Development Coordinator, who delivers an annual assembly to pupils. 

• Promote understanding of young carers through our PSHE curriculum. 

• Participate in Young Carers Action Day, where pupils across the school take part in activities and events designed to celebrate young carers and increase awareness of the challenges they may face. 

• Encourage a culture of kindness, understanding and inclusion so that young carers feel recognised, respected and supported. 

By raising awareness, we aim to ensure that young carers feel comfortable seeking help and that all pupils understand the important role that young carers play within their families. 

External Support Available 

The school works closely with external agencies that provide specialist support for young carers and their families. 

Support may include: 

• One-to-one support from a Young Carers Worker 

• Family support and advice 

• Wellbeing and emotional support 

• Access to local young carers groups and activities 

• Opportunities to meet other young carers 

• Information, guidance and signposting to additional services 

Where appropriate, the school can make referrals and support families in accessing these services. 

Working Together 

We strive to achieve best practice for young carers and their families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, participate fully in school life and enjoy their childhood. 

If you would like more information about Young Carers support at Little Parndon Primary Academy, please contact Mrs Gorur via the school office or by emailing YC@bmatlittleparndon.org.uk. 

Your Young Carers Team

Mrs Gorur - Young Carers Operational Lead	I am the main contact for Young Carers. If you think you are a Young Carer, or you have any questions about being a Young Carer, or just want to talk about your experience as a Young Carer you can come and find me, or, email me at YC@bmatlittleparndon.org.uk
Miss Dobson - Infant Phase Lead	If you can’t find Mrs Gorur, and need to speak to someone urgently about any worries you may have, you can come and find me, or email me at YC@bmatlittleparndon.org.uk