Ninestiles, an Academy and Yarnfield Primary School, both part of the Summit Learning Trust, have won prestigious awards for their work supporting young carers with their education.
The schools were both presented with the Young Carers in Schools Award this month for the first time and Solihull Sixth Form College also received its re-accreditation. Young carers are children under 18 who are responsible for the care of a family member with whom, due to illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction, are unable to cope without their support.
The award is part of the Young Carers in School programme run by charities The Children’s Society and Carers Trust. The programme provides primary and secondary schools across England with step-by-step guidance for teachers, leaders and non-teaching staff to gain the practical tools they need to help young carers.
The Summit schools were awarded this prestigious accolade by demonstrating how they support young carers. This includes running homework clubs and drop-in sessions with a member of staff responsible for this vulnerable group of children and young people. At Ninestiles, an Academy staff members have received professional development from their Professional Learning Institute, so that they can spot the signs that someone is a carer and they also work closely with primary feeder schools to ensure that information is passed on to build as full a picture as possible about carers’ circumstances and the support they need.
Research by Carers Trust shows 40% of young carers say they don’t get enough support to balance education and caring. Separate research by The Children’s Society shows young carers get an average of one grade lower in GCSE subjects than their peers and they often also have lower levels of self-confidence and mental wellbeing.
Statutory guidance makes clear that all school staff should be particularly alert to the potential need for early help for young carers. The Young Carers in School programme is a way of helping schools address this.
Vince Green, CEO of the Summit Learning Trust said:
“Everyone at Summit is delighted that Ninestiles, an Academy and Yarnfield Primary School have achieved the Young Carers in School Award, and that Solihull Sixth Form College has been re-accredited with the Carers Federation Quality Standard. The work these academies have done and continue to do to support young carers has made a significant difference to their lives and education. I am very proud of all our staff members that have introduced changes to support carers and of all the young carers out there who work so hard both at home and at school or college.”
Vicky Morgan, Carers Trust’s Head of Young Carers at Young Adult Carers, said:
“We’re delighted to present the Young Carers in Schools award to Ninestiles, An Academy and Yarnfield Primary School. Figures show there are two young carers in every classroom but balancing learning with looking after family members can be tough without help. By identifying young carers and putting support in place, schools and teachers can make a huge difference to their wellbeing and education. That’s why the brilliant work done by staff at Ninestiles and Yarnfield is so vital and why these awards are so richly deserved.”
Lisa Witherden, Head of National Programmes at The Children’s Society said:
“Recent figures from the school census highlight that nearly 80% of schools reported they had zero young carers in their pupil population. We know this simply isn’t true and that young carers are a hidden group of children and young people who need support to achieve the same level of success as their peers at school. We’re absolutely thrilled that Ninestiles, An Academy and Yarnfield Primary School have achieved the Young Carers in Schools award, demonstrating their commitment to identifying these hidden children and young people and ensuring they get the vital support they need to thrive in education and in life beyond school.”
The Young Carers in School programme is open to all schools in England. To sign up, visit www.youngcarersinschools.com