Young Carers

At St Bernard's RC Primary School, we recognise that some children take on caring responsibilities at home that are far beyond what would normally be expected for their age.

These children often show remarkable kindness, maturity and resilience. However, caring for a family member can also bring worry, tiredness, anxiety and additional responsibilities that may affect their wellbeing, attendance, friendships and learning.

Our Catholic faith reminds us that no one should carry their burdens alone.

That is why we are committed to recognising, supporting and celebrating our Young Carers, ensuring they know that they are understood, valued and never face their challenges in isolation.

At St Bernard's, every child deserves the opportunity to simply be a child.

Intent

Our intention is to create a school where Young Carers feel safe, recognised and fully supported to flourish both personally and academically.

We understand that caring responsibilities can sometimes remain hidden. Our aim is to develop a culture where children feel confident to talk about their experiences, knowing they will be listened to with kindness, sensitivity and respect.

We believe that being a Young Carer should never limit a child's opportunities or aspirations. Every child deserves access to an ambitious education, enriching experiences, positive friendships and the chance to enjoy childhood.

Our commitment is rooted in our wider vision of inclusion, recognising that every child has a unique story and that understanding those stories enables us to provide the right support at the right time.

Implementation

Young Carers are supported through a culture of strong relationships and genuine understanding.

Staff take time to know children and their families well, recognising that changes in behaviour, attendance, presentation or wellbeing may indicate additional pressures at home. We understand the importance of listening carefully, responding sensitively and working alongside families to provide appropriate support.

Children identified as Young Carers are offered a trusted adult within school who provides reassurance, encouragement and a consistent point of contact whenever needed. We ensure that children know they always have someone who will listen without judgement and help them access support.

Where appropriate, we work closely with parents, carers and external organisations to ensure families receive the help and guidance they need. We recognise that supporting the whole family often has the greatest impact on the wellbeing of the child.

Our inclusive approach ensures that Young Carers are able to participate fully in every aspect of school life. We carefully consider individual circumstances when planning learning, homework, attendance support and wider opportunities, ensuring that caring responsibilities do not become barriers to success.

Our nurturing environment, underpinned by Hearts, Bodies, Voices, Minds Ready, helps children develop emotional resilience, confidence and the ability to express their feelings. Through trusted relationships, worship, pastoral support and our wider curriculum, children learn that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

We also raise awareness across our school community so that staff and children develop greater understanding of the challenges Young Carers may face, helping to create a culture of empathy, compassion and inclusion.

Impact

The impact of our Young Carers strategy is reflected in children who know that they are seen, understood and valued.

Young Carers experience school as a place of safety, stability and hope. They know there are trusted adults who understand their circumstances and who will support them whenever they need help.

Children develop confidence in sharing their worries because they know they will be treated with dignity, compassion and respect. They experience positive relationships, strong emotional support and opportunities to enjoy childhood alongside their peers.

Our Young Carers continue to access a broad and ambitious curriculum, participate fully in school life and develop confidence in their own abilities, regardless of the responsibilities they carry beyond the school gates.

Families experience a school that works in genuine partnership, recognising both the strengths and the challenges within family life while always seeking solutions that place the child at the centre.

Ultimately, our Young Carers leave St Bernard's knowing that they have never faced their journey alone.

They know that asking for help is courageous.

They know that their caring responsibilities do not define their future.

They know that they are deeply valued, richly gifted and capable of achieving great things.

Because every child deserves to experience hope.

Every child deserves to experience belonging.

Every child deserves the opportunity to flourish.

That is our commitment to every Young Carer at St Bernard's.

This is how we continue becoming the school God wants us to be.

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/young-carers

https://secure.manchester.gov.uk

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/help-for-young-carers/

https://carers.org/getting-support-if-you-are-a-young-carer-or-young-adult-carer/getting-support-if-you-are-a-young-carer-or-young-adult-carer

https://carers.org/help-for-carers/carer-services-near-you?location=manchester