Young Carers
Young Carers Statement 2025- 2026
At Bilton Junior C of E School, we wholeheartedly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in their education, irrespective of their home circumstances. We recognise that some of our pupils may take on significant caring responsibilities for family members who are living with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or substance misuse issues. Our commitment is to ensure that these young carers receive the support they need to flourish both academically and personally.
Understanding Young Carers
A young carer is an individual under the age of 18 who provides care for a family member. This can encompass a range of tasks, from household chores and personal care to emotional support and looking after siblings. We appreciate the immense strength and maturity that young carers demonstrate, often taking on responsibilities that exceed what is typically expected for their age.
Identifying Young Carers
To effectively support our young carers, it is essential to identify them sensitively. We understand that many may feel apprehensive about disclosing their circumstances due to fears of stigma or bullying. Therefore, we actively foster an environment of trust and openness. Staff are trained to recognise potential signs that a pupil may be a young carer, such as increased absenteeism, tiredness, or changes in behaviour. We encourage staff to engage in supportive conversations with pupils, allowing them to share their experiences when they feel ready. Our enrolment process includes a question on whether the child is a young carer and letters are sent out each year to new families explaining what a young carer is and the support we offer.
Our Support Framework
Our dedicated Young Carers Leads, Mrs Thompson and Mrs Smith, are pivotal in providing tailored support. We work with pupils and families to seek their views. We offer regular half-termly sessions for young carers to connect and share experiences, fostering a sense of community. Awareness-raising initiatives, including assemblies for pupils and training for staff at least yearly, ensure that the entire school is informed and supportive.
We respect the privacy of our young carers and ensure that any information shared is handled confidentially. We also collaborate with local services to provide additional resources and support, ensuring that families are connected to the help they need.
At Bilton Junior C of E School, we are committed to empowering our young carers, recognising their invaluable contributions while providing the necessary support to help them achieve their full potential.
Mrs Smith (Operational Young Carers Lead) homeschoolsupport@biltonjuniorschool.co.uk
Mrs Thompson (SLT Young Carers Lead)
Warwickshire Young Carers Project
Caring Together Warwickshire - Young Carers