St Silas Primary School in Blackburn has been given an award for its amazing support of young carers during the pandemic. Young carers are children who support a parent or family member who is struggling with a physical or mental illness, and during the pandemic and lockdown their roles were more important than ever.
So when young carers at their school needed extra support, St Silas Primary School stepped up and .supported families. As a result St Silas Primary School has been recognised by The Children’s Society and Carers Trust for its outstanding commitment and support of young carers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Up to 1 in 5 school age students in this country are young carers, and 1 in 8 is under eight years old. Without additional support at school and college young carers can struggle to balance their caring duties with other activities in their lives. This means they sometimes face extra pressures and can miss out on opportunities that other children enjoy. On average young carers miss or cut short 48 school days each year, and 62% of them say they have been bullied. But fortunately, the commitment and support shown bySt Silas Primary School will help to secure future opportunities for young carers and increase their well-being at school.
Helen Leadbitter, national young carers lead at The Children’s Society, is delighted that the Young Carers in Schools Programme is bringing about national change, saying:
“Hundreds of schools across England are participating in the Young Carers in Schools programme, using the tools and resources to improve their support systems, and ensuring that no child need miss out on educational opportunities because they are a carer. 74% of schools who have achieved a Young Carers in Schools Award have noticed improved attendance among their young carers, and 94% have noticed improvements in their well-being and confidence.”
For further information on the Young Carers in Schools award email ycis@childrenssociety.org.uk
