Young carers across the UK are calling for a dedicated support lead in every school, claiming growing responsibilities at home are affecting their education.
Events are being held in Westminster, Holyrood and the Senedd on Wednesday to mark Young Carers Action Day, highlighting what campaigners say is a widening attainment gap with their peers.
Campaigners are calling for every school, college and university to appoint a Young Carer Lead – a member of staff responsible for identifying young carers and helping them access support.
To give context, more than one million young carers are estimated to live in the UK, some as young as five.
New research from the charity Carers Trust suggests many take on significant responsibilities at home. More than one in five (22%) said they regularly get up during the night to help the person they care for, while a third help them wash or dress.
One in five (19%) said they provide first aid, including 16% of those aged under 11. Almost half (44%) said they give medication and one in 12 (12%) help manage family bills and money.
The survey also highlighted many young carers spend three to four hours a day providing care. More than a third (36%) said this leaves them tired or worn out at school.
Education data implies these pressures can affect attainment. Figures from the Department for Education show fewer than half (46%) of young carers leave secondary school with five GCSE passes including English and Maths.
Andy McGowan, policy and practice manager at Carers Trust, said: ‘The evidence is clear. Because of caring responsibilities at home, far too many young carers are missing out on learning opportunities available to their friends without a caring role.’
‘Having a Young Carer Lead to look out for young carers, being aware of the challenges they face at home and helping them get the support they need is a relatively simple way for schools to make a massive difference for young carers,’ McGowan continued. ‘We have seen young carers’ opportunities transformed thanks to Young Carer Leads understanding a young carer’s individual circumstances at home and how to manage this alongside learning at school and homework and ensuring there is support available across the school.’
Alongside educational support, campaigners are also calling for any statutory ban on mobile phones in schools to include exemptions for young carers who may need to stay in contact with the person they look after.
Chris Vince MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for young carers and young adults carers, said: ‘Being able to focus on lessons and take advantage of all the great opportunities school has to offer should be an option for every child.
‘But far too many young carers are missing out on these opportunities because of the ever-increasing amount of care they need to provide at home for a family member or a lack of support in school.’
Image: Carers Trust
In related news:
‘My health had to come first’: Grandmother opens up for No Smoking Day
Donna Ockenden appointed to lead independent Leeds maternity review
Leave a Reply