Llantwit Major School Young Carers
Identifying and supporting young carers at Llantwit Major School
At Llantwit Major School we are committed to supporting our pupils and we are aware that some of our pupils are young carers.
A young carer is someone under 18 who is caring unpaid, for a family member, or friend, who is mentally or physically unwell, frail, disabled or who misuses substances.
They often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.
This means that young carers may support the family by regularly:
• Completing practical tasks (cooking, housework and shopping)
• Physical care (lifting or helping some use the stairs)
• Personal care (bathing, washing, dressing and toileting)
• Managing the family budget (collecting benefits and prescriptions)
• Managing medication
• Looking after younger siblings
• Helping someone communicate
The latest Census data for Wales states there are 22,520 unpaid carers aged 5 -24 years old caring for family members in Wales. However, many do not realise they are an unpaid carer which means the figures may not be a true reflection on the number of young and young adult carers providing support to family members on a daily basis.
We know that young carers may need a little extra support to enjoy and do well at school. At Llantwit Major School we are committed to ensuring that all pupils who are young carers are identified and supported effectively.
Our school will: -
• Proactively seek ways to identify young carers in school.
• Ensure that young carers have access to the school nurse.
• Acknowledge that young carers may need extra support to ensure they have equal access to education.
• Treat young carers in a sensitive, child-centered way, upholding confidentiality. If we believe that someone is a young carer we will be sensitive when we approach them about this, as we appreciate, they may not want their peers to know;
• Provide young carers with opportunities to speak to someone they trust or feel comfortable with in private and will not discuss their situation in front of their peers. Young carers may not wish to discuss their family situation unless they feel comfortable, and this will be acknowledged and respected while following safeguarding guidance;
• Promote discussion and learning in all appropriate areas of the curriculum to facilitate a fuller acceptance of and respect for the issues around illness, disability and caring.
• Aim to ensure that young carers are informed of available support services in and outside of school. The school will refer a prospective young carer to the local Young Carer Service with the consent of the young carer and their parent/guardian.
• Gather and maintain relevant statistics on the number of young carers identified and supported using various mechanisms such as pupil enrolment processes and self-identification.
• Follow child protection procedures regarding any young carer at risk of significant harm due to an inappropriate caring role and with parental consent refer the young carer for a Carers Assessment by the local authority.
• Recognise that flexibility may be needed when responding to the needs of young carers.
o Access to a telephone during break and lunchtimes to phone home
o Negotiable deadlines for homework/course work (when needed)
o Access to homework clubs (where available)
o Detentions during school hours (where possible)
o Access for parents with impaired mobility (Equality Act 2010)
o Alternative communication options for parents who are sensory impaired or housebound
o Advice to parents if there are difficulties in transporting young carers to school
Your Young Carer Leads are:
Young Carers’ Leads have a responsibility for ensuring all young carers are able to enjoy school and make good progress. If you think your child might be a young carer or could be affected by any of the issues we’ve highlighted, please let us know. If you have any further questions regarding a referral, please contact Mrs Miles on milesc@llantwitschool.org.uk or speak to us directly.
Any information that is given to us will be treated sensitively and no information will be shared without your knowledge.
