Young Carers
We are committed to ensuring that any pupil identified as a young carer is supported and enabled to thrive.
A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who helps to care for, support, or look after a family member or close friend who has a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition, additional need, or difficulties associated with substance misuse.
Being a young carer can be rewarding, but it can also bring additional responsibilities and challenges that may impact a child's emotional wellbeing, attendance, learning, friendships, and ability to fully engage in school life. We recognise that young carers are a potentially vulnerable group and are committed to ensuring they receive the understanding, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
At Springfields Academy, we work closely with pupils, families, and external agencies to identify young carers and understand the unique circumstances of each family. Through a personalised and compassionate approach, we aim to reduce barriers to learning and provide support that promotes wellbeing, resilience, and positive outcomes.
We recognise that some young carers may not identify themselves as carers and may be reluctant to seek support. We therefore encourage pupils and families to speak to a member of staff if they feel caring responsibilities are affecting any aspect of a child's education or wellbeing.
How We Support Young Carers
- A named member of staff who can provide support and guidance.
- Opportunities to talk about worries or concerns in a safe and supportive environment.
- Close partnership working with families and relevant external agencies.
- Support with attendance, wellbeing, and engagement in learning where needed.
- Consideration of individual circumstances when planning support and interventions.
- Promotion of emotional wellbeing, resilience, and positive mental health.
- Access to enrichment activities, clubs, trips, and wider school opportunities wherever possible.
- Hold termly "Heard" sessions (pupil voice forums) specifically for young carers
At Springfields Academy, we believe that no child should face caring responsibilities alone. We are committed to ensuring that all young carers feel recognised, valued, and supported to achieve their aspirations.
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Useful Links:
For external support please visit the following link: Young carers - Wiltshire Council
Young carers - Wiltshire Council – this website contains information on the young carers assessment with IFD to register them as a young carer, as well as information about youth action Wiltshire and the provision they offer.
Voice - Wiltshire Council – this page has information about the young carers council.
Home - Wiltshire Carers – this is Forward Carers who is commissioned by Wiltshire Council to be the online offer for carers – it covers young and adult carers
There’s the young carer magazine – this is the link to sign up for your own copy https://surveys.wiltshire.gov.uk/Interview/38313737-0818-44e3-8a5b-3257982353d2
Young Adult Carers - Carers Together Wiltshire – for the young adult carers provision which covers over 16’s and support with college and the transition.
Young Carers Development Trust | YCDT
Forward Carers provide Wiltshire's digital offer: Home - Wiltshire Carers
Forward Carers provide a Young Carers ID Card: To sign up for a Young Carers ID Card click here.
Youth Action Wiltshire provide the Young Carers Service. For more information about YAW Young Carers Service click here.
Contact YAW Young Carers Service at wiltshireyoungcarers@youthactionwiltshire.org
Other Counties:
South Gloucestershire:
Carers Support - Bristol and South Gloucestershire. What we offer - Carers Support Bristol and South Gloucestershire
To refer a young person: South Glos LIFE | Who to inform if you are or know a young carer
Oxfordshire
Be Free Young Carers: Family Information Service | Be Free Young Carers
To refer a young person: Making a Referral - Be Free YC
Swindon
Swindon Carers Centre: Supporting Unpaid Young Carers | Swindon Carers Centre
To refer a young person: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=DP6EmK-fwkabXdvTiBwLlgYLH1WhLxZJirKYqd0Tg25UNVQyQzM5Wkg0M1ZMNkZQTk02VksxN05KQi4u
BANES
Banes Carers Centre:Are you a young carer? | The Carers’ Centre
To refer a young person: Young carer referral form | The Carers' Centre - Bath and North East Somerset
Hampshire
Hampshire Young Carers Alliance: Hampshire Young Carers Alliance, Petersfield
To refer a young person: If you know a young person with caring responsibilities who would benefit from support through the Hampshire Young Carers Service, submit an Inter-Agency Referral Form (IARF) for Hampshire to access the local service for the family.
Gloucester
Gloucester Young Carers (GYC): Gloucestershire Young Carers | Charity | UK
To refer a young person: Referral Form
Somerset
Somerset Young Carers Voice Group: Young Carers
To refer a young person: All referrals must be sent to our Customer Contact Children’s Team and completed using an early help assessment. To find out more phone us on 0300 123 2224.
The leaders for Young Carers at The Springfields Academy are:
Maxine Page, Assistant Head SENDCo. You can contact Maxine on Maxine.Page@springfieldsacademy.org
Connie Knight, Head of SEND. You can contact Connie on Connie.Knight@springfieldsacademy.org
Please click here for the young carers policy:
