Schools and colleges need to do more to identify and support young carers

The inspectorate highlights that providers which identify and support young carers can help make a real difference to academic success and wellbeing for these learners. 

Jassa Scott, Strategic Director, says,

Children and young people who care for a family member are at risk from missing education, more likely to drop out of college and have poorer mental and physical health than their peers.

Education providers play an important role in helping to meet the needs of young carers to give them the best possible experiences and life chances.

Today’s report recommends that schools, colleges and pupil referral units identify which learners have a caring role and have a dedicated member of staff to lead on championing young carers’ needs.

The report illustrates the good practice at Ysgol y Strade, Carmarthenshire, where their strong partnerships with external agencies and community ethos help support pupils from all backgrounds, including those that are caring for others. Young carers feel that the school recognises their caring role and adjusts their provision to support their wellbeing needs.

Using external agencies to improve provision is a good way for providers to help support young carers. Estyn recommends that providers make better use of specialist resources and has created a checklist, available in the full report, to help schools, colleges and pupil referral units reflect on how well they support young carers.