Forest Hall Primary School wins prestigious award for supporting students who are young carers 

Forest Hall Primary School has won a prestigious award for its work supporting young carers with their education.

The school was presented with the Young Carers in Schools award on 28th October 2024.  Young carers are children under 18 who are responsible for the care of a family member with who, due to illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction, can't cope without their support.

The award is part of the Young Carers in School programme run by charities The Children’s Society and Carers Trust. The programme provides primary and secondary schools across England with step-by-step guidance for teachers, leaders and non-teaching staff to gain the practical tools they need to help young carers.

Forest Hall Primary School won the award by demonstrating how it supports young carers. This includes running a monthly club, a notice board and drop-in sessions with a member of staff responsible for this vulnerable group of pupils. Other things Forest Hall Primary School offers include is meeting up with other Young Carers from other local schools and assemblies and PSHE lessons about Young Carers in school.

Carmel Parker, Head teacher of Forest Hall Primary School, said:

“We are so proud to receive this award as recognition for our commitment to supporting our young carers at Forest Hall. A huge well done to Mrs Nolan, SENDCo who leads on this running the club and all of our Young Carers!”

Jackson Oliver, aged 10, said:

“I like being a Young Carer but I like going to all of the Young Carer activities because I get to spend time with other Young Carers doing fun things to get a break from my brother.  I really enjoyed going on a visit to meet other Young Carers.”

Research by Carers Trust shows 40% of young carers say they don’t get enough support to balance education and caring. Separate research by The Children’s Society shows young carers get an average of one grade lower in GCSE subjects than their peers and they often also have lower levels of self-confidence and mental wellbeing.

Statutory guidance makes clear that all school staff should be particularly alert to the potential need for early help for young carers. The Young Carers in School programme is a way of helping schools address this.

Vicky Morgan, Carers Trust’s Head of Young Carers at Young Adult Carers, said:

“We’re delighted to present the Young Carers in Schools award to Forest Hall Primary School. Figures show there are two young carers in every classroom but balancing learning with looking after family members can be tough without help. By identifying young carers and putting support in place, schools and teachers can make a huge difference to their wellbeing and education. That’s why the brilliant work done by staff at Forest Hall Primary School is so vital and why this award is so richly deserved.”

Lisa Witherden, Head of National Programmes at The Children’s Society said:

"Recent figures from the school census highlight that nearly 80% of schools reported they had zero young carers in their pupil population. We know this simply isn't true and that young carers are a hidden group of children and young people who need support to achieve the same level of success as their peers at school. We're absolutely thrilled that Forest Hall Primary School has achieved the Young Carers in Schools award, demonstrating their commitment to identifying these hidden children and young people and ensuring they get the vital support they need to thrive in education and in life beyond school."

The Young Carers in School programme is open to all schools in England. To sign up, visit www.youngcarersinschools.com