Young carers are children and young people under 18 who help look after a family member who is disabled, physically or mentally ill or has a substance misuse problem. Young carers may be caring for a parent, a sibling, grandparent or other relative or person close to the family. In some cases, a young carer may be caring for more than one family member.  

A young carer may be a primary carer or supporting another person with caring tasks. 

A Young Carers’ responsibilities may include providing/undertaking:

• Personal care - bathing, dressing, feeding, changing dressings, helping with toileting needs)
• Medication - Administering and/or prompting medication/injections
• Food and drink - preparing meals and drinks, including prompting consumption
• Physical care - lifting, helping a parent on stairs or with physiotherapy
• Domestic tasks - cleaning, shopping, managing the family budget, paying bills, collecting benefits and prescriptions
• Emotional support - listening to and providing comfort, staying at home to keep the person they care for company.
• Looking after or ‘parenting’ younger siblings
• Interpreting, due to hearing or speech impairment or because English is not the family’s first language

Young carers can feel tired, worried and isolated and may need a little extra support to enjoy and do well at school.  At Ravensthorpe School we are committed to ensuring that all pupils who are young carers are identified and supported effectively.