What is a Young Carer?
A Young Carer is someone under the age of 18 who has caring responsibilities for a family member at home who may have:
- A serious or long term illness
- A physical disability
- A mental health problem
- A drug or alcohol dependency
- A learning disability
Young Carers may carry out tasks and household chores such as:
- Preparing and cooking food
- Helping with personal care and hygiene
- Giving medication
- Communicating on someone’s behalf
- Ensuring someone’s safety
- Providing emotional support
- Paying bills
At Doddinghurst Infant School we recognise that taking on such a role may have a negative impact on a pupil and can also affect their education.
Young Carers may:
- Be regularly late for school or have poor attendance
- May often seem tired, withdrawn or preoccupied
- Have difficulty in joining in activities outside of school hours (e.g. after school clubs or residential visits)
- Could be a victim of bullying or have difficulties forming friendships
- Be under-achieving academically
- Not hand in homework
- Appear anxious and worried
- Display emotional or behavioural problems
- Have physical problems such as back pain from lifting adults
We have identified lead members of staff who are responsible for directly supporting Young Carers in our school. The lead members of staff are Mrs Driver and Mrs Spicer-Mead; however, our pupils are aware that they can speak to any member of staff if they feel that they may benefit from additional support.
For more information about Young Carers, please visit the Essex Young Carers website below.
Our Young Carers noticeboard has information about the support we provide for young carers in school. We also have a message box that all pupils can access if they would like help or more information.