For education
Caring is a part of life. We need to start conversations about caring earlier, to break down stigma about current or future caring, raise awareness of the role of carers and create an environment where carers are connected to help and support.
Schools, colleges and universities can identify children, young people and adults with caring responsibilities. They can recognise the impact caring can have on their studies, as well as their personal lives. They can take action to ensure carers get the help they need to cope with what can be an intense additional pressure.
Here are some practical ways to support carers:
- Schools can sign up to the Young Carers Challenge which sets out five practical steps you can take to improve identification and support for pupils who are young carers so their learning and studies are not affected. The Young Carers in Schools programme is free and a good place to start for schools in England looking for resources to help them with this.
- Schools, colleges and universities can sign up to the Young Carers Covenant and show their support for a fair future for young carers and young adult carers.
- Arrange carer awareness training for staff so that they know who carers are and what support is available. This includes support for pupils, but also staff who are carers.
- Find out who your local carers support organisation is and how to refer carers for an assessments so you can let students, their families and staff know what local support is available.
- Hold an assembly during Carers Week on caring or share information via your school website/social media.
- Work with young carers and young adult carers in your setting, or your local carer service to create or update your carers policy so that pupils, their families and staff know what support is available.