Young Carers

At West Byfleet Infant School, we are aware that some of our pupils are young carers.

By definition, a young carer is someone under 18 who is caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend 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.

Some tasks children may engage in: practical tasks (e.g. 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 to communicate with others both inside the home and in the wider community.

Research suggests there are at least 700,000 young carers in the UK, with an estimated 14,000 young carers in Surrey, but many more do not realise they are a Young Carer.

We know that young carers may need a little extra support to enjoy and do well at school. West Byfleet Infant School is committed to ensuring that all pupils who are Young Carers are identified and supported effectively.

Our Pastoral Support Worker (PSW) is also our Young Carers leader. Her role is to help identify and co-ordinate support for our Young Carers.

We run a Young Carers activity each half term. We aim to have fun and provide a friendly, nurturing and safe space where Young Carers from across the school meet and bond together.

If you think your child might be a young carer, please email cclark@wbis.org.uk.

Any information that is given to us will be treated sensitively and no information will be shared without your knowledge.

If you would like further information, please take some time exploring Action for Carers.

Young Carers - Angel Award

The Angel Award scheme was developed by young carers to help caring pupils be recognised and supported at school.

The Award is given to schools that demonstrate they are ‘young-carer friendly’. Schools have to meet eight standards, checked by our staff and young carers, including having a carers’ champion, a carers support group, training for staff, and assemblies about young carers to help all pupils understand the issues the young carers face, as well as support pupils to self-identify and find the help they need. We are proud to have held the Angel Award for schools since 2019.

Young Carers Policy

Young Carers Policy

Aims and Objectives

Young Carers may ‘look after’ someone who has a long-term physical or mental health problem, disability or a problem with drugs or alcohol or a sibling with a diagnosis of ADHD or ASD. This may take the form of domestic chores, personal care, supervision, emotional support or another form of assistance.

At WBIS we believe that all young people have the right to an education and should be treated equally. If a young person looks after someone, we know that they may need additional support to help them get the most out of their education, and we aim to meet their needs with respect.

Young Carers support team:

Pastoral Support Worker (PSW) - Claire Clark
ELSA - Jo Broad

Deputy Head for Inclusion and Pastoral - Cara Dean
Headteacher – Stacey Clarke

Our School

Is sensitive towards Young Carers’ needs, and aims to show discretion. We respect pupils’ privacy and will only share information about their circumstances with people who need to know, in order to provide help and to ensure safety. Pupils and parents are consulted before information is shared, in line with our GDPR policy.
Expects all pupils to arrive at school on time and attend school every day. Office Staff and PSW monitor attendance. In exceptional circumstances absence may be authorised by the Headteacher should an emergency situation arise. Please always speak to us if this occurs.
Employs an PSW and ELSA who offer support to Young Carers and their families.
Has links with local services providing support to families with care needs, including local Young Carer services.
Provides flexibility on homework, if required. Please speak to us if you require this support.
Realises Young Carers may feel tired, worried and in some cases isolated from other children who enjoy and experience a variety of social activities.
Provides a support group for young carers to meet together regularly and provides access to PSW and Elsa.
Provides individual listening support for young carers e.g. PSW and ELSA all known to the Young Carers, who they know they can approach. ( A Worry Box is available by the Young Carers notice board.)
Provides assistance for disabled parents in getting their children to school in exceptional circumstances.
Assists parents with disabilities and health problems in accessing parent’s evenings, school events etc in a way that meets their needs.
Uses the Pupil Premium to assist eligible young carers in their education, including accessing curriculum-based trips enabling them to have equal access to education and enrichment experiences.
Ensures Young Carer’s attainment and progress is monitored through Pupil Progress meetings and appropriate interventions implemented.
Consider alternatives if pupils are unable to attend after- school activities (e.g. clubs) due to their caring role. Please speak to us if this is an issue.
Includes a lesson on Young Carers for each year group which follows on and supports the annual Young Carers Assembly. This helps all pupils understand the issues, carers’ rights and the support available.