Young Carers
JSTC wins prestigious award for supporting students who are young carers
The school was presented with the Young Carers in Schools award on 28th October 2024.
Young carers are children under 18 who are responsible for the care of a family member with who, due to illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction, can’t 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.
JSTC won the award by demonstrating how it supports young carers. This includes running Breakfasts, clubs and drop-in sessions with a member of staff responsible for this vulnerable group of pupils.
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.
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 JSTC]. 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 JSTC is so vital and why this award is 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 JSTC has 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."
What is a Young Carer?
A Young Carer is a child under 18 who regularly looks after someone in their family or a friend who is ill, disabled, or has a mental health problem or an addiction.
Children may engage in:
● Shopping, cooking, cleaning
● Managing medicines or money
● Providing personal care
● Helping get people out of the house
● Keeping an eye on someone
● Providing emotional support
John Spendluffe Technology College can support Young Carers. If you, or a family member, needs support please contact Rachael Hickson at R.Hickson@jstc.org.uk. All contact will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Meet the Team
Dates for your Diary!
What does Young Carers in Schools aim to achieve?
At JSTC...
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Young carers attend and enjoy school and reach their full potential.
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Improve young carers’ wellbeing and ensure they are better prepared for independent lives
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Young carers to have the same life opportunities as other children.
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Parents and carers are supported to enable their children to attend school
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Enable schools to identify and support young carers.
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A school culture is created which is fully accessible and understands and respects disability and caring.
The Young Carers in Schools Award allows schools to gain recognition from leading charities for their good practice and ability to meet the needs of young carers.
The Award has been developed in consultation with schools, young carer services and young carers.
The Award consists of two levels – an Award and, launching in Spring 2024, an Award Plus. It is based on five standards which were developed following consultation with young carers. These five standards underpin the new Young Carers in Schools Award:
UNDERSTAND
There are assigned members of staff with responsibility for understanding and addressing young carers’ needs
INFORM
Awareness is raised by sharing knowledge about disability, illness and young carers throughout the school
IDENTIFY
Young carers are being identified within the school. Look out for the silver star!
LISTEN
Young carers are listened to, consulted with and given time and space to talk
Young Carers Award
For more information please follow the link below, or speak with Miss Hickson.
Young Carers in Schools
SUPPORT
Young carers are supported within the school and signposted to whole-family resources and services outside the school
Young Carers Support in Lincolnshire
Find Your Local Young Carer Service | The Children's Society (childrenssociety.org.uk)
Adult Care Service | North East Lincolnshire & East Lindsey (emcas.org.uk)
Young Carers First Aid Training!
Young Carers Bake Sale!
