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Chenderit recognised for supporting young carers
22/11/2023
The school has won an award in a scheme run jointly by the Carers Trust and The Children’s Society
Chenderit School in Middleton Cheney has been given a bronze award for their work to make sure students don’t miss out on an education because they are young carers.
Run jointly by the Carers Trust and The Children’s Society, the Young Carers in Schools programme helps primary and secondary schools improve outcomes for young carers and celebrates good practice through the award scheme.
Their research shows that young carers miss or cut short 48 school days a year on average and often have lower levels of self-confidence, mental wellbeing and significantly lower educational attainment at GCSE level, because of their caring role.
Jane Cartwright, Headteacher, said: “I am delighted that our school has been recognised for our good practice and the support that our young carers receive. I commend the staff who have worked so hard to achieve this award and know that our young carers’ educational outcomes and future life chances will improve as a result.”
Young carers are responsible for emotional, practical or physical care for a parent, sibling or other family member who has a physical disability, mental health issue or substance misuse issue. Census statistics from 2021 show there are just over 120,000 young carers in England, but other research reveals this could be just the tip of the iceberg with a true figure closer to 800,000 young carers in England. That’s equivalent to one in five secondary aged school children – many of whom are unrecognised and unsupported.
To help schools support young carers, the Young Carers in Schools programme offers a step-by-step guide for leaders, teachers and non-teaching staff, with practical tools designed to make it as easy as possible for schools. Staff can also receive training through webinars and events and the programme also features a newsletter each term highlighting relevant policy developments, spotlighting good practice and giving updates on the programme’s successes.
A spokesperson from the Carers Trust said: “To achieve their Bronze Award Chenderit School has demonstrated that it supports young carers in many ways, including homework clubs and drop-in sessions, with a member of staff who is responsible for this vulnerable group of pupils. Vital information about how to identify young carers is made available to all school staff, and noticeboards and the school webpage lets students and their families know where to go for help.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam