Young Carers : Cumbria County Council

Cumbria Young Carers Strategy

This strategy aims to bring together a wide range of agencies and organisations across the county in order to maximise the support offered to Young Carers. The strategy will link to the Children and Young People’s Plan.

Children and Young People’s Plan

Schools and Young Carers

The National Carers Strategy recognises that schools have a vital role to play in identifying and supporting Young Carers. Young Carers are at risk of social isolation and bullying, under-achievement, absenteeism from school, and physical and mental ill health. Their caring role may mean that they need extra support.

The following signs could indicate that a pupil is a Young Carer (DfE archive)

Young carers can fall behind at school and miss days or even weeks
They may leave school with few or no qualifications
They may take out their frustrations or anger at school
They may experience bullying because they are seen as isolated or different
Fellow pupils may make fun of them or of their family's problems
They may find it difficult to have a normal social life, or be isolated from peers
They may be afraid of talking to professionals about the family's problems, ashamed of their situation, protective of their parents, or worried about splitting the family up
They may feel angry, upset, hurt, worried, anxious or uncertain, leading to emotional problems and stress
They may suffer physical problems such as back injuries from heavy lifting, or tiredness and lack of sleep
They may experience traumatic life changes such as bereavement, family break up, lost income or the illness and addiction of their loved ones
They are more likely to experience poverty or social exclusion
They may be disadvantaged in the labour market when they leave school