At Highwoods Community Primary School, we are proud to support and celebrate the young carers within our community. Many children take on caring responsibilities at home, and through these roles they often develop remarkable strengths such as empathy, resilience, organisation, independence and leadership. These are skills that enrich our school community and help young carers thrive both academically and personally.

We recognise, support and champion our young carers. It is fully endorsed by the Governing Body and aligns with our belief that every child has the right to a happy, fulfilling education, whatever their circumstances at home.

What Is a Young Carer?

A young carer is a child or young person who helps to look after a family member who may have:

• A physical disability or medical condition
• A mental health need
• A learning difficulty
• Challenges linked to substance misuse
• Age‑related needs

A young carer may support with practical tasks, emotional reassurance, communication, money management, or caring for siblings. While these responsibilities can be significant, we recognise that young carers often demonstrate exceptional maturity and compassion as a result.

Identifying Young Carers at Highwoods Community Primary

Highwoods Community Primary is committed to identifying and supporting all young carers, including those who may be hidden or unsure about coming forward.

We identify young carers through:

• The school admissions process
• Information shared by parents and carers
• Liaison with outside agencies
• Discussions with pupils or observations from school staff
• Guidance on the website

Each class has an Information Folder that highlights pupils with caring responsibilities so that staff can support them effectively. Young Carers are also on Insight and SIMS.

Recognising a Young Carer

While each young carer is unique, staff remain aware of possible indicators, which may include:

• Occasional lateness or fluctuating attendance
• Tiredness or difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety or worrying about home
• Incomplete homework
• Limited time for clubs, social events or after‑school activities
• Limited parental engagement due to pressures at home
• Difficulties attending meetings or events
• Low mood, reduced friendships, or signs of being overwhelmed

These indicators are always approached with sensitivity, curiosity and respect.

Celebrating the Strengths of Young Carers

Young carers often develop outstanding skills, including:

• Problem‑solving
• Empathy and emotional intelligence
• Reliability and responsibility
• Confidence when speaking to adults
• Independence and initiative
• Time‑management and organisation
• Practical life skills

At Highwoods, we recognise and value these strengths. We are committed to ensuring every young carer feels seen, supported, and proud of the role they play.

Support Offered

We understand that every young carer’s situation is different. Our support is flexible, personalised and rooted in kindness.

Educational Support

• Teachers consider individual needs when planning lessons, homework, and interventions
• Reasonable adjustments around deadlines where required
• Attendance and attainment monitoring to ensure early support if needed

Pastoral Support

• Half‑termly Young Carer Workshops and drop‑in sessions led by our Young Carers Champions and members of our Inclusion Team
• A Young Carers notice board in the school
• Wellbeing surveys and pupil voice opportunities
• Private, respectful conversations with pupils, with a friend present if they choose
• Website area specifically about Young Carers (currently in the process).

School‑Wide Commitment

• Staff training delivered and updated annually
• Engagement with Essex County Council’s Young Carers in Schools Award, working towards achieving the new accreditation
• An active Young Carers Club where young carers can be celebrated and listened to
• A designated Young Carers Lead and Young Carers Champions
• A named Young Carer Governor to oversee policy development
• Visual displays with information, events, and local support services
• Young Carers ID cards/badges for pupils who wish to identify themselves discreetly

External Links

• Signposting to specialist services
• Liaison with external agencies and other schools, where appropriate

Confidentiality

We respect every pupil’s right to confidentiality. Information about a young carer will be shared only when necessary, and always in a way that supports the pupil’s wellbeing.