Educational Approach,
Charitable Action

Young carers may face a number of obstacles to academic progress as a result of their caring duties


Responsibilities at home may make it difficult for young carers to complete homework, to get to school regularly or on time or to concentrate in class.

In addition to this, many young carers report experiencing high levels of anxiety, stress, social isolation and exhaustion. It’s important that schools know their young carers, so that they can take the necessary measures to help them overcome these challenges.

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Did you know that an estimated
700,000 young carers are living in the UK?

Schools

Young carers can be as
young as 5 years old

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1 in 12 secondary school students
have caring responsibilities

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2 in 3 young carers report
being bulled in school

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9 grades lower overall at
GCSE than their peers

As a charity, MYTIME takes an educational approach to its work with young carers. We strongly believe that knowledge is power, so we work to educate school staff and students alike about the challenges that young carers often face, and about the pivotal role that school communities have to play in supporting these remarkable young people.

Because many of the MYTIME team have a background in teaching or education, we understand that every school is different. That's why the support we offer is individually tailored to each unique, educational setting in which we work.

Identifying young carers

 

There is currently no specific set of measures which schools are advised to use to identify young carers, although indicators could include:
Circle High Absense

Absence

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High Rates
Of Absence

Circle Rushed Homework

Homework
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Incomplete Or
Rushed Homework

Circle Lack Participation

Participation
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No Participation In
Extra-Curricular Activities

Circle Uniform

Neglect
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Signs Of Neglect, Not Having
Food or Clean Uniform

Circle Tired Sleepy

Tiredness
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Tiredness or Fatigue with no energy

Circle Refusal to Stay

Rushing Home
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Refusal To Stay For Detentions
Or After School Activities

If you have identified a child who you think is a young carer, then it's important to inform the other agencies who might be able to provide support for that child. MYTIME Young Carers will support any young carer referred to them by a professional, whether that child is registered as a young carer with their local authority or not.

However, we encourage school staff to register young carers with the council too if you believe that they meet the criteria. Please ensure that you have parental permission before applying to register them.

Who are
young carers?


Young carers may face a number of obstacles to academic progress as a result of their caring duties.

FIND OUT MORE

Registering as
a young carer


In England, young carers have the legal right to be assessed by the local authority they live in.

FIND OUT MORE

Case Studies

View our case studies below to learn more about our work in schools:

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GLENMOOR &
WINTON ACADEMIES


VIEW

Glenmoor & Winton Academies

Burton

BURTON CHURCH OF
ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL


VIEW

Burton Church of England Primary School

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AMBITIONS ACADEMIES
PRIMARY SCHOOLS


VIEW

Ambitions Academies Primary Schools