Do you think your child could be a Young Carer?

At Backworth Park Primary School we are committed to supporting all children and ensuring their time in school is one where they learn and grow into well rounded individuals with a good sense of wellbeing. We recognise that many of our children take on additional roles and responsibilities that may impact on this wellbeing. 

A young carer is someone under 18 who may be caring for a family member who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems. They often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult. Research suggests there are at least 700,000 young carers in the UK but many do not realise they are a young carer. 

Young Carers may engage in:

• Practical tasks (cooking, housework and shopping)
• Physical care (lifting or helping someone use the stairs)
• Personal care (dressing, washing, helping with toilet needs)
• Managing the family budget (collecting benefits and prescriptions)
• Managing medication
• Looking after younger siblings
• Helping someone communicate 
•  

We know that Young Carers may need a little extra support to enjoy and do well at school.

How can we help?

At Backworth Park Primary School we are committed to ensuring that all pupils who are Young Carers are identified and supported effectively with their wellbeing. 

If you think that any of the above applies to your child, and that they might possibly be a young carer then please contact Mrs Huscroft via the school office’s email. Even if you feel your child or family do not need any support, we find that it’s better for us to be aware and have them on our radar as potential young carers, in case the situation suddenly changes, and they (or you) do need support. It just means that you and your child don’t have to start from scratch with letting us know what is going on if things have become difficult.

We offer a safe space in school for Young Carers to get support and offer bi-weekly peer support groups. These are a chance for our Young Carers to let us know of any support they need and a great chance to relax and have a chat with students who may have similar life experiences.

We are always looking at ways to grow our Young Carers offer in school and we conduct PSHE lessons, assemblies and staff training to make sure that our whole school are aware and supportive of what a Young Carer is.

Our Young Carers Team:

Ms Elsaghier, Young Carers SLT Lead

Mrs Huscroft Young Carers Champion