Supporting young carers: a whole school approach
Last updated:The Carers Trust recommends that schools adopt a whole-school approach. This ensures all staff understand the needs of young carers and know how to support them.
Key elements
Leadership and governance
- Appoint a senior leader responsible for young carers
- Appoint a governor champion
- Create a young carers policy and review it regularly
- involve young carers in shaping the policy where possible
Awareness and culture
- display clear information about disability, illness, and caring
- make it easy for pupils to come forward
- Provide regular staff training
Systems and support
- monitor attendance, well-being, and progress
- ensure staff know the process for sharing information sensitively
- avoid asking pupils to repeat their story
- offer flexible support, such as:
o alternatives to after-school homework clubs
o check in time with a trusted adult
o space to calm or regulate
o understanding around deadlines
Listening to young carers
- Give pupils time and space to speak
- build trusting relationships
- involve them in decisions affecting their education