Whole school approach to young carers in schools

To be able to support children and young people (CYP) effectively, we as staff must feel confident in our knowledge and skills. Please see links to training and CPD below:

• Caring Together run free training for schools or settings and awareness-raising sessions for staff and CYP. The training can be planned in a way which fits best with the school or setting's needs, the hour-long session can be delivered virtually or face to face. For more information please contact Carerfriendlytick@caringtogether.org.
• The Anti-Bullying Alliance provides free online CPD and guidance on protecting young carers from bullying.
• Mentally Healthy schools with Anna Freud have produced online training resources to help with improving the identification and support of young carers.
• There are several videos available that are valuable in raising staff awareness including 'My Name's Lottie' (Carers Trust), 'Day in the life of a young carer' (The Children's Society), and 'Pie - A story for young carers' (Carers Trust).
• Carers Trust provides a survey to assess staff understanding and confidence at Step 2 - Tool 6, and further CPD at Step 7 of their how-to guide.

We must ensure that the needs of young carers are considered across all other relevant training e.g. anti-bullying and content is contextualised as necessary.

Safeguarding

All staff must receive up to date safeguarding training and be aware of how this links to their role in supporting young carers.

'Children should not undertake inappropriate or excessive caring roles that may have an impact on their development. A young carer becomes vulnerable when their caring role risks impacting upon their emotional or physical well-being and their prospects in education and life.' (Care and Support Statutory Guidance. Issued under the Care Act. DH 2014. Paragraph 2.50).

It is important to recognise that the reasons that CYP undertake inappropriate levels of care may be complex, and resolving them may require a multi-agency approach. The following list identifies some roles which may be considered inappropriate or excessive duties depending on the individual family situation and should be considered in terms of the impact on the CYP's emotional or physical wellbeing:

• Intimate personal care
• Strenuous physical activity such as lifting
• Administering medication
• Financial responsibility
• Emotional support to the adult

If there are circumstances identified in which a young carer is suffering, or is likely to be suffering, harm through emotional abuse and / or neglect then a referral must be made following the appropriate safeguarding procedures immediately.

See further guidance in Keeping children safe in education.