Family life is different for each of our children and we recognise that some of our children may be or become young carers. A 2011 government census (the last that released this information) identified over 177,000, but this is just the tip of the iceberg, there could be as many as 700,000 which means that one in 12 children have caring responsibilities.
At Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School we are committed to identifying, supporting and meeting the needs of Young Carers so that they can attend and enjoy school in the same way as their peers. Mrs Burden is our Young Carers Lead and is always happy to talk with a child or a parent to look at ways that the school can support. This may include:
If you think that you might be a Young Carer or you think that a child you know might be taking on a caring role within the home, for a member of the family, please come and speak to Mrs Sutton. It will be a chance for you to speak freely in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment.
What might a Young Carers role involve?
Different children will do different amounts to help at home but below is a list of the tasks they are likely to take on:
- Practical tasks such as washing, ironing, shopping for food and cooking the meals
- Physical care can involve lifting in and out of the bath or off and on the toilet, helping someone up the stairs
- Personal care could mean washing someone and dressing them and helping with more intimate needs
- Emotional support is often part of the caring role: listening to the personal problems, calming them down and simply being there to help them feel safe
- Young carers may have to look after their younger siblings, put them to bed, pick them up from school, help them with their homework and cook for them. They might have to run errands and pick up medication, accompany them to appointments, translate for them.
- They might care for a brother or sister, a grandparents who lives with them or for a parent/carer/guardian.
Young Carers often support family with illness such as;
Alcohol or drug misuse
Mental illness
Physical disability
Learning disability
We are aware that Young Carers looking after someone also gain valuable skills in that role such as;
Maturity
A caring and nurturing personality
Close relationship with family
Pride
We help to ensure that the responsibility for the child doesn’t become too great and that support the family are entitled too is being offered.
Please do look at the websites below, you can contact them directly or speak to your class teacher, LSA, Mrs Sutton or Mrs Stone.