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Young Carers

Young carers are children and young people under 18 who help look after a family member who is disabled, physically or mentally ill or has a substance misuse problem. Young carers may be caring for a parent, a sibling, grandparent or other relative or person close to the family. In some cases, a young carer may be caring for more than one family member.  

A young carer may be a primary carer or supporting another person with caring tasks. 

A Young Carers’ responsibilities may include providing/undertaking:

  • Personal care - bathing, dressing, feeding, changing dressings, helping with toileting needs)
  • Medication - Administering and/or prompting medication/injections
  • Food and drink - preparing meals and drinks, including prompting consumption
  • Physical care - lifting, helping a parent on stairs or with physiotherapy
  • Domestic tasks - cleaning, shopping, managing the family budget, paying bills, collecting benefits and prescriptions
  • Emotional support - listening to and providing comfort, staying at home to keep the person they care for company.
  • Looking after or ‘parenting’ younger siblings
  • Interpreting, due to hearing or speech impairment or because English is not the family’s first language

Young carers can feel tired, worried and isolated and may need a little extra support to enjoy and do well at school.  At Longthorpe School we are committed to ensuring that all pupils who are young carers are identified and supported effectively.

 

If you know or think that a child may be a Young Carer, please contact Mrs Beeby, our Pastoral Lead on 01733 265959 or via emailing office@lps.pkat.co.uk