Identifying and Supporting Young Carers at Huish Episcopi Academy

We are committed to ensuring that all students receive the support they need to have a positive school experience, are happy in school, and can achieve their fullest potential.

We know that, for some students, factors outside of school can have a large impact on this, particularly if there is a family member or someone at home who is ill, disabled, or is struggling with addiction or their mental health. Research indicates that there could be as many as 2 students in every class who are helping to support and look after someone because of these factors. We call these students young carers.

---

Students can be young carers for lots of different reasons:

• They may be providing physical support to a parent or carer with a physical illness by cooking, fetching things, or household shopping.
• They might be helping a parent or carer with a disability who needs support with more personal tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, or changing dressings.
• They may provide emotional support, like helping to regulate their autistic sibling, taking responsibility for younger siblings whilst parents attend health appointments, or supporting a parent or carer who struggles with their mental health.

---

While some young carers may be undertaking a lot of responsibility with caring, others may take on a smaller amount but are emotionally and physically impacted by their home situation. 

At Huish Episcopi, we provide a wealth of support for young carers and their families should they ever need it.

If you believe that your child may be a young carer, or that they could possibly be a young carer, please contact Mrs England, our Young Carers Support Lead, at SuzieEngland@hea.ac.uk.

---