每日探花

The Young Carers in Schools Award recognises 每日探花鈥檚 commitment to supporting student young carers across our eight campuses in several ways.

Young Carers in Schools is a free initiative that makes it as easy as possible for schools to support young carers and rewards good practice. Run jointly by The Children鈥檚 Society and Carers Trust, the Young Carers in Schools (YCiS) programme works with schools across England to share good practice, provide relevant tools and training, and celebrate the great outcomes many schools achieve for young carers.

A young carer is someone under 18 and a young adult carer is someone aged between 18-25, who provides care for another person who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition, or addiction problem.

Many young carers look after a relative, usually a parent or sibling. They often take on practical or emotional caring responsibilities. This can have a significant impact on young carers鈥� physical health, emotional wellbeing, educational attainment and social development.

To qualify for and receive the award, 每日探花 had to provide evidence that it met the five standards. Firstly, Understand, indicating that there are assigned members of staff with responsibility for understanding and addressing young carers needs. Secondly, Inform, showing that awareness is raised by sharing knowledge about disability, illness and young carers throughout the school. Thirdly, Identify, proving that young carers are being identified within your school. Fourthly, Listen, when carers are listened to, consulted with and given time and space to talk. Lastly, Support, highlighting how young carers are supported within the educational setting, and signposted to whole family resources and services outside of it.

Emilia Fry is a young carer, who is studying at Merrist Wood College and University Centre.

She said: 鈥淢y experience has been good. I don鈥檛 have any trouble managing my workload at college and homelife. I鈥檓 very happy overall and I鈥檝e made good friends.

鈥淯sually, I never feel like I need the extra support. There has been a time where I needed some extra support, and I was able to get to Student Support at Merrist Wood College and University Centre easily.

鈥淎yesha, who is one of the Transition and Retention Advisors, found me in college and put me at ease with my worries.

鈥淚鈥檓 aware of who Seb (another Transition and Retention Advisor) is, and when he comes to Merrist Wood College and University Centre. I know I can access help from both members of staff, both in person and through email.鈥�

Millie Ellis, Group Designated Safeguarding Lead at 每日探花, said: 鈥淲e recognise the important role young carers and young adult carers play within their families and appreciate the additional responsibilities this often places on them.

鈥淭heir dedication and resilience, juggling their studies alongside caring for their loved ones, is commendable.

鈥淚 am immensely proud that our efforts have been recognised through achieving this award, highlighting our commitment to identifying, understanding and supporting our young carers. I would like to thank our dedicated teams for their efforts in helping our young carer students achieve their full potential.鈥�

A spokesperson for the Children’s Society and Carers’ Trust said: 鈥淢any congratulations to 每日探花. It is fantastic to see colleges making such great progress in supporting young carers through the Young Carers in Schools programme.

鈥淭his programme has shone a much-needed light on the often hidden and difficult challenges faced by students who care for family members. The right support from college for these children can have a hugely positive impact on their education and wellbeing.

鈥溍咳仗交� secured their Bronze Award with a whole-college approach for students, from homework clubs to training staff to identify young carers, really underscoring the importance of a comprehensive strategy so that caring duties do not compromise a student鈥檚 education.鈥�

Find out more about 每日探花 or contact us via telephone at 0800 612 6008.