Supporting Young Carers: Level Up Programme Is a Game Changer

At MYTIME, we’re here to support young carers—amazing children who balance caring for their loved ones at home while trying to hold on to their childhood. Our Level Up Programme is crucial in recognising these young heroes and ensuring they get the help they need, both in school and beyond.

 

The Challenges Young Carers Face in the Education System

 

For many young carers, school can be a lonely and overwhelming experience. Too often, their struggles go unnoticed, with teachers unaware of the heavy load these children carry at home. This lack of awareness has real consequences. Our research, documented in our most recent report, shows that young carers miss school 27% of the time—more than twice as often as their peers, who average 12%. Additionally, only 51% of young carers meet the expected reading standards in primary school and 40% of young carers get suspended from school. 

 

As one young carer shared, “School makes me feel unsafe. Some mornings I choose not to in because I know I am going to be faced with detention after detention due to being late and not doing my homework. It's not my fault, I had to look after my mum” The isolation these children feel is real, and without recognition or support, the challenges they face are even more difficult to bear. They need help, but if their schools don’t acknowledge their struggles, they are left to cope alone.

 

Why We Need Change

 

It’s clear: the education system needs to step up and do better for young carers. These children aren’t just kids who sometimes struggle with their homework—they’re juggling adult responsibilities while trying to manage their schoolwork. But in many cases, they go unnoticed because their needs aren’t recognised.

 

The MYTIME Level Up Programme is here to change this by working directly with schools to raise awareness about young carers and provide teachers with the tools they need to support them effectively. Every young carer deserves a chance to succeed, not only academically but emotionally as well. The difference our programme makes is clear: where support is provided, young carers thrive.

 

“I feel supported at school by friends who aren’t young carers and this is because the school has raised awareness of young carers,” says one student. “This makes me feel less alone.” When young carers know that their struggles are understood and supported, their sense of belonging in school grows, helping them overcome their challenges.

 

What Makes the Level Up Programme So Powerful?

 

Around 80% of our team is made up of former teachers, giving us a profound understanding of the unique challenges young carers face within the education system. What truly sets the Level Up Programme apart is that it’s shaped by the voices of young carers themselves. Through our Youth Action and Advisory Board (YAAB), these remarkable young carers share their experiences, ensuring that the support we provide is both meaningful and impactful. Additionally, we have recently welcomed two young carer trustees to our board, this ensures that their perspective is always represented at the highest level of decision-making. This deep involvement ensures that our programme genuinely meets the needs of those it’s designed to help.

 

We’re proud to be working with over 220 schools across the UK, with more schools eagerly waiting to join. These partnerships enable us to directly transform the lives of young carers by tailoring support and raising awareness where it matters most. To stay effective, we regularly collect data and conduct in-depth analytics with participating schools, ensuring our programmes are always improving. This ongoing feedback loop allows us to refine and adapt our approach, helping young carers succeed not only academically but emotionally as well.

 

 

The Impact of Support: Real Stories from Students

 

The difference the Level Up Programme makes is clear in the lives of the young carers we support. One 14-year-old student said, “My Young Carer Champion could see I was struggling. I was able to have a temporary reduction in homework, just focusing on the core subjects until my situation was more manageable.” This kind of tailored support makes a world of difference for young carers, giving them the space to breathe and succeed without feeling overwhelmed.

 

Unfortunately, not all schools offer this kind of support. Many young carers continue to face criticism and misunderstanding. One child shared, “They don’t care about your feelings, only your grades,” while another explained, “I am told that I am lazy, and they constantly moan about my appearance, pencil case, and other things that don’t matter.”

 

This is why the MYTIME Level Up Programme is so important. It shifts the focus from simply academic performance to the overall well-being of the student. As one 16-year-old shared, “Since the support has been in place, I have built good relationships with staff and know who to talk to when I need support. I feel less anxious, knowing I can speak to them and there are reasonable adjustments made for me.”

 

Expanding Our Efforts

 

The Level Up Programme is more than just a project—it’s a lifeline for young carers who deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. 

 

Looking ahead, we’re committed to expanding the Level Up Programme to more schools across Dorset. Many schools still don’t fully understand the challenges these young people face, and we’re determined to change that. By working closely with schools and teachers, we can create a more supportive environment where young carers are seen, heard, and given the help they need.

 

If you’d like to bring the MYTIME Level Up Programme to your school or want to learn more about how we can support young carers, reach out to us at . Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of young carers.

 

In the words of a young carer, “The support at school has improved my wellbeing”, “I feel less alone now, and I know that when things get tough, I have people at school who understand and help me.” This is the change we’re striving for, and with your support, we can make it a reality for more young carers across the UK.