Young Carers Award

Costessey and Dell Primaries have both won a prestigious award for supporting students who are young carers.

The Young Carers in Schools award is given to those schools who are excelling in their work supporting young carers with their education.

Young carers are children under 18 who are responsible for the care of a family member with who, due to illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction, can’t cope without their support.

The award is part of the Young Carers in School programme run by charities The Children’s Society and Carers Trust. The programme provides primary and secondary schools across England with step-by-step guidance for teachers, leaders and non-teaching staff to gain the practical tools they need to help young carers.

Dell and Costessey won their awards by demonstrating how they support young carers. Initiatives include running homework clubs and drop-in sessions with a member of staff responsible for this vulnerable group of pupils.

Research by Carers Trust shows 40% of young carers say they don’t get enough support to balance education and caring. Separate research by The Children’s Society shows young carers get an average of one grade lower in GCSE subjects than their peers and they often also have lower levels of self-confidence and mental wellbeing.

Statutory guidance makes clear that all school staff should be particularly alert to the potential need for early help for young carers. The Young Carers in School programme is a way of helping schools address this.