Great Baddow High School has been given a Bronze award for our work to make sure our students don’t miss out on an education because they are young carers.

The Young Carers in Schools programme helps schools improve outcomes for young carers and celebrates good practice through the Young Carers in Schools Award.

Young carers are responsible for emotional, practical or physical care for a parent, sibling or other family member who has a physical disability, mental health issue or substance misuse issue. The 2011 Census statistics revealed that there are just over 166,000 young carers in England, but research reveals that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The true figure could be closer to 800,000 young carers in England, equivalent to one in 5 secondary aged school children many of whom are unrecognised and unsupported.

Research carried out by Carers Trust and The Children's Society shows that, on average, young carers miss or cut short 48 school days a year and often have lower levels of self-confidence, mental wellbeing and significantly lower educational attainment at GCSE level, because of their caring role. Ofsted's Common Inspection Framework states that inspectors will look at how well schools support young carers.  While some schools are doing this really well, others struggle and this causes real problems for young carers.

To help schools support young carers, the programme offers a step-by-step guide for leaders, teachers and non-teaching staff, with practical tools designed to make it as easy as possible for schools. 

“Over the past 12 months, we have been working towards the YCIS Young Carers in School Award. We are pleased to announce that we have now gained recognition of our level of support towards our Young Carers. To achieve the Bronze Award, we have demonstrated the effectiveness of our young carer support. This support includes homework clubs and drop-in sessions with a member of staff who is responsible for this vulnerable group of pupils as well as noticeboards and posters around the school to highlight our support. 

We continue to encourage our Young Carers and their families around the school to seek support if it is ever needed.” Mr T Wells, Young Carer Lead at GBHS

Luella Goold, Service Manager at The Children’s Society, is delighted that the Young Carers in Schools Programme is bringing about national change.

“Hundreds of schools across England are participating in the Young Carers in Schools programme, using the tools and resources to improve their support systems, and ensuring that no child need miss out on educational opportunities because they are a carer. 74% of schools who have achieved a Young Carers in Schools Award have noticed improved attendance among their young carers, and 94% have noticed improvements in their wellbeing and confidence.”