Young Carers
Monkston Primary was awarded a Bronze award in May 2023, in recognition of the school’s work to ensure that pupils don’t miss out on an education because they are young carers.
The Young Carers in Schools programme helps primary and secondary schools improve outcomes for young carers and celebrates good practice through the Young Carers in Schools Award.
Identifying Young Carers at Monkston
Young carers at Monkston are identified through a family referral or by a class teacher. The referral is confidential and is in place to support the parent/carer and child to achieve their best.
To inform the school of a young carer, please email [email protected] with your name, name of the young carer and the best method of contact. Alternatively contact the school on 01908 and request a call back from one of the young carer’s team.
If your child’s class teacher completes a referral for your child, a member of the team will be in touch to discuss the referral before any action is taken.
Across Kingsbridge Education Trust, there has been a growing focus on supporting young carers to achieve their best in school and feel supported. This work began at Oakgrove Secondary School and is now filtering down to the primary schools in the Trust.
Our aim is to raise awareness of young carers, identify who might be in need of some extra support and work with families to provide this.
Who could be identified as a Young Carer?
A young carer is a young person aged 5 – 18 who looks after someone who can’t manage without help. For the young carer, this could mean looking after a parent, brother or sister, grandparent or family friend who has a disability, long term illness, or drug and alcohol related issues.
As many as one in 12 pupils could be a young carer, and unless the school is advised about a pupil’s home circumstances, young carers risk first being identified by negative aspects of their behaviour or work. Some young carers worry about bullying and may be tired, worried, find it difficult to concentrate and have limited time for friendships and activities after school. If this is the case, we can help.
How can the school help?
Monkston Primary can provide extra help for young carers by offering homework clubs, drop in sessions, mentoring support from a peer or teacher and other school issues that may arise. The school works with Young Carers MK in order to supplement its systems and provide a wider range of activities for young carers in the area.
Useful information and help
For more immediate support, young carers can text YM to 85258 in order to message crisis support at Young Minds or call Carers UK Support on 0808 808 7777.
