At Brannel School we are aware that some of our pupils are young carers. A young carer is a child or young person (under 18) who provides care and support for a family member who may be affected by ill health, a disability, mental ill health or substance misuse. They often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult. Research suggests there are at least 700,000 young carers in the UK, but many do not realise they are a young carer. “The Census 2011 showed that there was a total of 1,217 young people aged 0 to 15 providing unpaid care in Cornwall and a further 2,682 aged 16 to 24.”
We know that young carers may need a little extra support to enjoy and do well at school. At Brannel School we are committed to ensuring that all pupils who are young carers are identified and supported effectively.
We are pleased to have achieved the Young Carers in Schools Programme Bronze Award for identifying, supporting and continued help we provide to our young carers.
Monthly Drop in Sessions
We hold a monthly ‘drop in’ session for your young carers, where they can all meet for an extended lunch hour. We use this time to concentrate on certain subjects that may affect our young carers ie wellbeing, mental health, stress, managing school etc, or sometimes we just have fun, like making smoothies, festive creative gifts, etc or talk about what activities the group would like to do. The group’s dedicated young carers worker (Elizabeth Digweed) will also come along to the drop-in session to offer support.
Young Carers Activities
We also try and arrange a termly outing for our young carers, and have in the past visited Clip and Climb, laser tag, Retallick aqua park, ibounce and ice skating. This is a great opportunity for them to have some down time, and perhaps take part in activities they may not otherwise get to do.
Group enjoying session at Laser tag
Visit to Jamie Oliver’s Restaurant at Watergate Bay. The group got to make pasta, learn about healthy eating, and taste the delicious food!
Mrs Caroline Hunt is Brannel School’s Young Carers’ Lead and has responsibility for ensuring all young carers are able to enjoy school and make good progress. If you think your child might be a young carer or could be affected by any of the issues we’ve highlighted, please let me know by filling in the form below and bringing it into school in a sealed envelope addressed to me. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, or have any further questions, please contact me on 01726 828262 (direct line) to speak to me directly or you can email me on [email protected]
Any information that is given to us will be treated sensitively and no information will be shared without your knowledge.
Useful Links
Brannel School young carer’s letter and reply slip (please can we link to letter here)
Brannel School Young Carers Policy: (put link here to policy)
Kernow Young Carers Service
Website: www.kernowyoungcarers.org (can this link please)
Contact: 01872 321486
Email: [email protected]
