As many as one in 12 pupils could be a young carer, with many struggling to juggle school work with their caring role.
- 27% of young carers (aged 11-15) miss school or experience educational difficulties (40% where children care for a relative with drug or alcohol problems) (Dearden, C, Becker, S, 2004).
- They have significantly lower educational attainment at GCSE level – the difference between nine Cs and nine Ds (Children’s Society, 2013).
- A quarter of young carers said they were bullied at schools because of their caring role (Carers Trust, 2013).
Things to Look Out For
A young carer may be worried about leaving the person they are caring for especially if they have no way to contact them and cannot access a mobile phone. They might miss homework deadlines, arrive late, or have a particularly bad attendance record. They may appear unkempt, tired or irritable. They may be being bullied because of their caring role.
Things to Consider
Talking to a teacher or their friends can often be difficult for a young carer especially if there is a stigma attached to the illness their cared for might be suffering with i.e. caring for someone with substance misuse problems or mental ill health.
They may also be worried that by admitting they look after someone they will be taken away from their family.
Resources to Help You
Carers Trust in partnership with The Children’s Society run the Young Carers in Schools Programme. They have produced a Step by Step Guide for Leaders, Teachers and Non- Teaching Staff. You can find more information on the Carers Trust website.
We can offer support, advice and guidance for young carers too. Contact us to find out more.
