Ninestiles, an Academy, part of the Summit Learning Trust, has held a coffee morning this term for the parents of young carers.
The event was designed to provide a supportive and informal setting for parents and carers to come together, share experiences, and learn more about the ways in which the school supports their children’s education and well-being. It was arranged by Sally Beech, Learning Mentor and Young Carers Lead at the school.
The aim of the coffee morning was to create an open dialogue between the school and families of young carers, helping to strengthen relationships and ensure that both parents and learners feel fully supported. The event gave parents the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the resources available to their children, and engage with professionals from various services who were on hand to provide advice and guidance.
Attendees also had the chance to listen to presentations about the various support mechanisms in place at the school, from dedicated pastoral care to external partnerships that help cater to the unique challenges faced by young carers.
Ninestiles, an Academy has previously won the Young Carers in Schools award for their work supporting young carers with their education. 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.
At Ninestiles, an Academy staff members have received professional development from Summit Learning Trust’s professional learning institute, so 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.
The coffee morning was another step towards strengthening Ninestiles’ commitment to building a nurturing, inclusive environment for all children and young people, particularly those with additional responsibilities as young carers. The school will continue to offer opportunities for parents and carers to engage with staff members and access the support they need.
Alex Hughes, Principal at Ninestiles, an Academy said:
“It was fantastic to have the chance to connect directly with the families of our young carers and hear their thoughts and concerns. At Ninestiles, we are fully committed to supporting every learner, and this coffee morning was a great opportunity to continue fostering that support system. Our goal is always to ensure that our young carers feel valued, understood, and equipped to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”