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Young Carers Receive Same Education as Peers
Posted: 25th May 2023Children who care for someone at home are being provided with the same education as their peers, an award has confirmed.
Forest Hall has been given a Bronze Award for work to make sure students do not miss out on schooling because they are young carers.
The Young Carers in Schools programme helps primary and secondary schools to improve outcomes for young carers and celebrates good practice through the Young Carers in Schools Award.
The school achieved the award by demonstrating that it supports young carers with homework clubs and drop-in sessions with a member of staff responsible for the vulnerable group of students.
Information on how to identify if a young person may be a carer is made available to all school staff and noticeboards and a webpage let students and their families know where to go for help.
Giles Meyer, Carers Trust chief executive, said: “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.”
Rebecca Millican, personal development and enrichment lead and young carers co-ordinator, said: “I am thrilled that Forest Hall School has been recognised with the Bronze Award. It is important that young carers get the recognition and support they deserve.”
· From The Children’s Society – 74% of schools which 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