What is a Young Carer?
 

A young carer is a child or young person who is helping to look after someone at home. Most are caring for a parent, commonly in a single parent family, but some may be taking responsibility for a sibling, grandparent or other relative. In some instances, a young carer may care for more than one family member. The person they look after may have one or more of:

• Physical disability (including sensory disability)

• Learning disability

• Mental illness

• Chronic illness

• Substance misuse problem

What do we offer at Eggbuckland Vale Primary School?
 

We are aware that pupils in our school may well have caring roles at home. We aim to support young carers through a whole school approach and through working with other agencies and professionals, with the understanding that support for the whole family is in the best interests of the young carer. We acknowledge that young carers may need extra support to ensure they have equal access to education. We are giving the message that young carers’ education is important.

Our Strategic Lead is Mrs Debbie Baker, Assistant Head teacher for Inclusion,

Our Operational Lead is Mrs Jacqueline Leary, ELSA and THRIVE practitioner.

We actively seek feedback and ideas from young carers and their families in order to shape and improve provision and support in place.

• We have an active young carers peer support group that meets twice a term.
• We provide young carers with opportunities to speak to someone in private and will not discuss their situation in front of their peers.
• The young person’s caring role will be acknowledged and respected.
• We will treat young carers in a sensitive and child-centred way, upholding confidentiality.
• We will ensure young carers can access all available support services in school, including ELSA, THRIVE, learning mentor and school counsellor.
• We will follow child protection procedures regarding any young carer at risk of significant harm due to inappropriate levels of caring.

Young Carers Policy

Please visit the Policies section in ‘Key Information’ or click here

Signposting

There are 3 commissioned services in the city who offer targeted support to Young Carers. The support offered will depend on the need of the Young Carer and their family.

For Advice, discussion and Information of Services contact the Gateway Team on 01752 668000 or Email: gateway@plymouth.gov.uk

Young carers can get support locally through:

Efford Youth Club

Older children can attend Efford Youth Club for a weekly support session. They run two groups, one for 8 to 10 year olds and one for 11 to 16 year olds.

Telephone: 01752 776853

Email: southeast.youth@plymouth.gov.uk