At Wrenn, we are aware that some of our students have caring roles at home and that being a young carer can have a significant impact on their lives academically, socially and emotionally. 

We believe that all young people should have equal access to education, regardless of what is happening at home. When a young person looks after somebody in their family who has a disability, mental or physical ill-health or substance misuse problem, they may need a little extra support to help them get the most out of school. At Wrenn we work hard to: identify young carers; provide them with opportunities that they may not otherwise experience; ensure they feel valued and supported; improve the support they receive, both in school and in the community, to enable them to be safe, secure and successful.

What is a young carer?

A young carer is someone under 18 who looks after someone at home who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition or addiction problem (drugs or alcohol).

Support for young carers at school

Wrenn School is committed to helping young carers achieve their very best outcomes, to do this, a variety of opportunities are offered throughout the year.

Specific support we can provide includes:

• Weekly drop-in sessions for young carers to come together to talk about their caring responsibilities with other students who also have a caring role.
• Activities and trips for young carers to enhance life experiences.
• Provide students with confidential support and advice in school.
• We will flag up to staff which students have caring responsibilities so that students do not have to keep explaining their situation at home.
• We work closely with the Northamptonshire Young Carers service and can put students and their families in touch with them or other support services.
• If young carers are unable to attend out-of-school activities due to their caring role, we will consider alternatives.
• We allow young carers to telephone home during breaks and lunchtimes if they are concerned about a family member.
• We include assemblies on the challenges faced by young carers in Years 7 & 10
• We provide staff training on young carers and how to identify and support them.

Who to speak to if you think you are a young carer or need some support.

If you feel your child is a young carer please contact Sarah Earl at sarah.earl@wrennschool.org.uk or youngcarers@wrennschool.org.uk or complete the form via one of the links below:

https://forms.office.com/e/DF7EcaDiNt