Whole school approach to young carers in schools
What support can we signpost families to?
Ensure families have easily accessible information about the support available to them and their children and that this is communicated in several ways e.g. young carers noticeboard, school website, intranet, student planners.
- Young Carers Matter Norfolk offers support to young carers and their families.
- The Young Carers & Families Support Service at Voluntary Norfolk supports young carers, the person they are caring for and other family members in an innovative 'whole family' approach.
Remember: If you are facing difficulties with working with a family, speak to your pastoral or inclusion team. They may know the family well and have some helpful ideas! |
Ensure you are actively engaging with young carers and their families to shape and improve provision for young carers. Informal events such as coffee mornings can be a great way of helping young carers and their families to build support networks and meet other families who have had similar experiences.
Note: If a family has English as an additional language (EAL), ensure you are aware of cultural differences and norms and use independent interpreters e.g. Language Line to support effective communication at least initially until strong relationships have been developed. Ensure the young carer is not used as an interpreter in discussions with family.
Please also refer to the Young Carers in Schools checklist of support for further examples of the support that families may value and benefit from.