Young Carers

Identifying and supporting young carers at High Ongar Primary School

At HOPS we are committed to ensuring that all children get the support they need to have a positive school experience, are happy in school and can achieve their full potential.

We know that for some children, factors outside of school can have a big impact on this, particularly if there is someone in their family or a friend who is ill, disabled, or has a mental health difficulties. We think in every class there could be as many as 2 pupils who are helping to support someone because of one of these factors – we call these children young carers.

Children can be young carers for lots of different reasons:

- They might be providing physical support to a parent with a physical illness such as fibromyalgia or ME, such as cooking, fetching things, or helping with things like putting shoes on or doing the shopping.

- They might be helping a parent with a disability who needs help with more personal tasks such as getting dressed, bathing or changing dressings.

- Or it could be more emotional support – like being there if their autistic sibling is upset, taking responsibility for young siblings whilst parents attend health appointments, or checking that a parent with depression/anxiety is ok.

Some young carers might be doing lots of caring, others just a small amount but are impacted by the situation at home for example by worrying about the person with the health condition or needing to do more things for themselves compared to other students.

There is lots of support available for young carers and their families should they ever need it – both inside and outside of school including, the Young Carers Club, links with Essex Young Carers Service, mental health support and financial support signposting.

If you think that any of the above applies to your child, and that they might possibly be a young carer then please contact Mrs Evans or Mrs Mansell (Our young carer champions) via the school office to discuss.