HARLOW school, Fawbert and Barnard’s Primary School has been given a Bronze 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. 

Headteacher, Sue Spearman said: “”I am delighted that the school has achieved this award, it is important we support all our community but at such difficult times our young carers are even more vulnerable.”

The scheme was also praised by Deputy Headteacher and Young carers lead at Fawbert and Barnard’s Primary School, Arnold Worton-Geer.

He said:  “I am so proud that our Young Carers have an opportunity to get the support when they need it. It is such a joy to see children thrive even when they have additional responsibilities at home. You are all fantastic and I am so proud of what you do! ”

But what did a young carer think about the scheme?

Felicity Oakes, a young carer from Fawbert and Barnard’s Primary School said: “As a young carer, I have a place where I am able to have the chance to talk to someone independently about anything that I would like support with, or even just a chat. I am fully aware about how busy everyone at my school is but they never make me feel rushed or that they have better things to do. They always give me time and I am very grateful about that!”

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 5 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. 

To help schools support young carers, the programme offers a step-by-step guide for leaders, teachers and non-teaching staff, with practical tools designed to make it as easy as possible for schools. Staff can also receive training through webinars and events and the programme also features a newsletter each term highlighting relevant policy developments, spotlighting good practice and giving updates on the programme’s successes. 

“To achieve their Bronze Award Fawbert and Barnard’s Primary School has demonstrated that it supports young carers in many ways, including weekly conversations and drop-in sessions with a member of staff who is responsible for this vulnerable group of pupils.  Vital information about how to identify young carers is made available to all school staff, and noticeboards and the school webpage let students and their families know where to go for help”. 

The programme is open to all schools in England and to sign up schools just need to visit www.youngcarersinschools.com 

Giles Meyer, Chief Executive of Carers Trust, today 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.”  

Helen Leadbitter, national young carers lead at The Children’s Society, is delighted that the Young Carers in Schools Programme is bringing about national change.  

“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.”