Young Carers
What is a young carer?
A young carer is a person (under 18) who looks after or helps to look after a family member with a mental or physical illness, addiction or disability. The care they offer might include:
- Extra jobs such as cooking, cleaning and shopping
- Helping someone get dressed, washed, or take medication
- Looking after a sibling
- Acting as an advocate if parents or guardians have mental health needs or learning disabilities or interpreting when English is an additional language
- Budgeting
- Providing emotional support
You can find out more about the experiences and needs of young carers from Barnados.
Why is it important to be aware of young carers?
It is likely that there will be many young carers at every school, with the Norfolk census (2022-23) estimating 1153 young carers reside in Norfolk. However, we predict these numbers to be much higher, with research suggesting as many as 1 in 6 children or young people being a young carer at some stage in their life.
The 2023 Young Carers Survey found that 1 in 3 young carers struggle to balance caring with education which can limit opportunities for them to learn, earn and have a fulfilling life. The Children's Society (2023) found that 27% of young carers aged 11-15 miss school.
On average young carers are caring for at least 4 years before anyone offers any help (Source: Barnardo's). There are many ways that schools and settings can support young carers' individual needs and strengths, to engage them in their learning and help them to reach their unique potential.
What does the law say?
The Department for Education offers this legislation that has relevance to young carers:
You should reflect on existing legislation, including but not limited to:
- Children and Families Act 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Care Act 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)
- The Equality Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk) and Equality Act 2010: advice for schools (DfE)
You also need to consider guidance from the DfE:
What support is available?
National
Carers Trust provide a step by step guide for leaders, teachers and non-teaching staff to supporting young carers in schools.
The Children's Society provides trusted information and advice for professionals working with young carers.
Carers UK provide information, advice and support for unpaid carers.
Norfolk
Young Carers Needs Assessments
A needs assessment can be requested by contacting Norfolk County Council on 0344 800 8020.
- It can be requested by the child or young person, parent/guardian or professional (when professional makes the referral, family consent is needed).
- It doesn't matter how old the child or young person is, who they care for (do not need to live in same house), or how much care they provide.
- The needs assessment will explore the impact of their caring role on their own health, education, and social life.
N.B. Whilst all young carers are entitled to an assessment, this may not always be necessary and another route of support may be more appropriate e.g. in school support or support from Young Carers Matter Norfolk.
Young Carers Matter Norfolk
Young Carers Matter Norfolk work to make sure young carers get the support they need so that they are able to flourish, including when inappropriate or excessive caring is identified.
The service delivers direct support to young carers and their families including one to one support, groups/information sessions, access to activities and trips and additional family support. The service also works alongside schools and settings and employers and runs regular locality-based forums and countywide Norfolk Young Carer Voice Meetings to ensure young carers and their families can have their voices heard and the ability to influence change.
To make a referral, please either contact the Advice Line on 0800 083 1148 or use the referral form at www.youngcarersmatternorfolk.org.
If you have any questions, please contact: info@youngcarersmatternorfolk.org.
NCC Education toolkit
Norfolk County Council have developed a toolkit for schools and settings focused on young carers. The aim of the toolkit is to provide guidance around a whole school or setting approach to reduce stigma around young carers, increase identification / self-identification and address young carers' needs in a holistic way as well as providing step by step guidance on how to support children or young people who have been identified as a young carer.
Carers Matter Norfolk Professionals toolkit
Carer's Matter Norfolk have developed a Toolkit for professionals across all sectors who work with children or young people and CPtheir families.
Key contacts
Young Carers Needs Assessments:0344 800 8020
Young Carers Matter Norfolk:To make a referral, please either contact the Advice Line on 0800 083 1148 or use the referral form at www.youngcarersmatternorfolk.org.