An independent evaluation of our Young Carers in Schools programme has found schools participating in the programme are making the education and wellbeing of their young carer students far better as a result.
Young Carers in Schools is an award programme, run jointly by Carers Trust and The Children’s Society, and supported by local young carer services across the country. It enables schools to gain recognition for good practice in supporting pupils who are young carers. The evaluation was carried out by Mime, a research and data consultancy.
Key findings
The Mime evaluation found that schools taking part in the Young Carers in Schools programme are making a real difference for young carers in the following ways:
- Attendance improves: Young carers at schools with the award missed 6% fewer school days – the equivalent of an extra 8 lessons.
- Identification improves: Schools involved in the programme are recording three times as many young carers as other schools not involved. Early identification is key to ensuring young carers get the whole school support required to improve educational opportunities for the UK’s estimated one million young carers.
- Staff training makes a difference: 87% of school staff said the award improved their understanding of young carers’ challenges.
- Raising awareness: Young Carers in Schools does not just raise awareness amongst staff. 77% saw greater understanding among all pupils, not just those who are carers.
- Wellbeing improves: 62% of school staff agreed that the emotional wellbeing of young carers had improved as a result of achieving the award - meaning more students feel supported, understood, and able to thrive.
What young carers told us about the Impact of Young Carers in Schools programme on their school.
“I feel like I am now less nervous as a result of the young carers support in school.”
“Knowing that teachers know the challenges we face makes us feel safe.”
What can you do to improve young carer welfare in schools?
Do you work at a school that is not already a part of the Young Carers in Schools programme? Or are you a parent of a young carer at a school not already part of the programme?
If you are, please keep the momentum going to support young carers. There are on average two young carers in every classroom. We need to make sure they are recognised, supported and given the chance to thrive. So please share these findings, and the resources below, across your school.
And encourage the school leadership to join our Young Carers in Schools programme:
Find out more about the YCiS programme
Young Carers in Schools programme
And read our blog on the way our Young Carers in Schools programme is transforming opportunities for young carers in schools.