At Hardwick and Cambourne Community Primary School, we recognise the important role that some children and young people have within their families. We are committed to identifying and supporting pupils who may have caring responsibilities so that they can thrive both academically and emotionally.

What is a Young Carer?

A young carer is a child or young person who helps to care for a family member or friend who has:

• A physical illness or disability
• A long-term health condition
• Mental health difficulties
• Learning difficulties

Young carers often take on responsibilities that would usually be expected of an adult within the family. These responsibilities can have an impact on their education, wellbeing, attendance, friendships and opportunities outside of school. 

What Might a Young Carer Do?

Young carers may provide support in a variety of ways, including:

• Shopping, cooking or household chores
• Managing medication or finances
• Providing personal care
• Helping a family member leave the house safely
• Supervising or keeping an eye on someone
• Providing emotional support and reassurance

Every young carer's experience is unique, and the level of responsibility can vary significantly from child to child.

How Might a Young Carer Be Affected?

Young carers may:

• Arrive at school feeling tired
• Find it difficult to complete homework on time
• Miss school or arrive late
• Experience anxiety or worry about family members during the school day
• Find it harder to participate in clubs, trips or extracurricular activities

How We Support Young Carers

We are committed to ensuring that young carers are recognised, understood and supported. By identifying young carers early, we can work together with families to provide appropriate support within school and help ensure that caring responsibilities do not become a barrier to success.

Support may include:

• A trusted adult in school
• Regular wellbeing check-ins
• Support with attendance or punctuality where appropriate
• Consideration of individual circumstances when planning learning and homework
• Signposting families to additional support services

Let Us Know if Your Child is a Young Carer

Many families do not realise that their child may be considered a young carer. If your child regularly helps to care for a parent, sibling, grandparent or another family member due to illness, disability, mental health needs or addiction, we would encourage you to contact us.

Our school's Young Carers Champion is: Sam Pritchard - Head of Campus - Cambourne

To discuss your child's circumstances or to identify your child as a young carer, please contact either school office by emailing:

office@hardwick.cambs.sch.uk
blue@hardwick.cambs.sch.uk

All conversations will be handled sensitively and confidentially, with the wellbeing of your child at the centre of our support.