Young Carers

What is a Young carer 

A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who helps to look after a family member who has a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition, addiction, or additional support needs. 

A young carer may help with tasks such as: 

• Household chores (cleaning, cooking, shopping) 

• Looking after brothers or sisters 

• Helping someone wash, dress, or move around 

• Managing medication 

• Translating or communicating on behalf of a family member 

• Providing emotional support and reassurance 

Simple Definition for Schools 

A young carer is a child or young person who has caring responsibilities for someone in their family and may provide practical, physical, or emotional support beyond what would normally be expected for their age. 

Signs a Child May Be a Young Carer 

• Frequently tired or worried 

• Arrives late or has poor attendance 

• Struggles to complete homework 

• Appears anxious about family members 

• Finds it difficult to join in with clubs or social activities 

• Shows a high level of responsibility or maturity for their age 

 

Reasons to be a Young Carer 

There are many reasons why a child or young person may become a young carer. The person they care for is usually a family member who needs extra support due to: 

• A physical disability that affects mobility or daily living. 

• A long-term illness such as cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or chronic pain. 

• A mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. 

• A learning disability or additional needs. 

• Substance misuse or addiction involving drugs or alcohol. 

• Sensory impairments such as sight or hearing loss. 

• Age-related conditions affecting grandparents or older relatives living in the family home. 

 

What is the role of a “Young Carer” 

Young carers often take on significant responsibilities at home while still trying to manage school, friendships, and their own development. Some of the challenges they may face include: 

Emotional Challenges 

• Worrying about the health or wellbeing of a parent, sibling, or other family member. 

• Feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by their responsibilities. 

• Experiencing feelings of guilt if they spend time away from their caring role. 

• Having little time to focus on their own emotional needs. 

Educational Challenges 

• Difficulty concentrating in class due to concerns at home. 

• Tiredness caused by caring responsibilities before or after school. 

• Poor attendance or lateness when caring duties take priority. 

• Reduced time for homework, revision, or extracurricular activities. 

Social Challenges 

• Missing out on activities with friends. 

• Feeling isolated because peers may not understand their situation. 

• Finding it difficult to build and maintain friendships. 

• Taking on adult responsibilities earlier than their peers. 

Physical Challenges 

• Fatigue from helping with daily tasks, household chores, or caring duties. 

• Lack of time for rest, exercise, or hobbies. 

• Potential impacts on their own health and wellbeing. 

Financial Challenges 

• Living in households where illness or disability affects family income. 

• Limited access to activities, trips, or opportunities due to financial pressures. 

Positive Strengths Young Carers Often Develop 

While the challenges can be significant, many young carers also develop: 

• Empathy and compassion. 

• Responsibility and maturity. 

• Problem-solving skills. 

• Resilience and independence. 

• Strong communication skills. 

For a school setting, it can be helpful to recognise that young carers may not always identify themselves as carers, so creating a supportive, understanding environment is essential to helping them thrive both emotionally and academically. 

The Award is presented to schools that demonstrate they are truly young carer-friendly. To achieve the award, schools must meet eight key standards, which are assessed by our staff and a panel of young carers. These standards include appointing a Young Carers Champion, providing a dedicated support group for young carers, delivering staff training, and holding assemblies to raise awareness of young carers and the challenges they may face. 

Through these measures, schools help all pupils develop a greater understanding of young carers' experiences, while also encouraging young carers to self-identify and access the support they need. This whole-school approach ensures that young carers feel recognised, valued, and supported throughout their education.