Virtual School and Equalities Learning Team - Young Carers

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. 

 

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       

Key documents

Title	Date	Size
Children and Young People's Plan 2011-13	22/03/2012	2174k

Title	Date	Size
CS Young Carers Strategy	13/07/2012	89k

Useful links

• Princess Royal Trust for Carers

• Further information on Carers in Cumbria can be found on the Cumbria County Council website under Adult Social Care: Carers