Schools - Telford and Wrekin Young Carers
01952 458044 or 07878 457141 to speak to one of our friendly team
info@telfordandwrekinyoungcarers.org.uk
How we work with schools
Caring and school can be a difficult mix . . .
Research has shown that about a fifth of young carers have problems with their education, rising to just under half for those children who are caring for a relative with an alcohol or substance misuse issue. Problems include: Late for school . whole days missed . transport difficulties . missing out on school events/trips/activities. Lack of concentration due to tiredness . lack of time to do homework . Relationship problems with staff and/or peers due to stress - some children may be disruptive, some may be withdrawn. Parents who have an illness or disability find it harder to attend open evenings and other school events. In a recent consultation with young carers in Telford and Wrekin, the majority said that their teachers were not aware they were young carers. They felt different from their peers and many people they interacted with had no idea what young carers were and what they did. About half felt they had been bullied and intimidated in the past because they were 'different'.
Attendance
School work
Relationships in school
Communication between home and school
We always contact parents before assessing and supporting a young carer under 18. After initial referral, from whatever source (including self-referral), our policy is to carry out the child's first assessment in school. This enables us to make links with staff and gives the young carer the opportunity to chat outside of the caring environment. We then give individual support at school, as and when needed. We regularly attend nearly all schools in the borough - at secondary level usually alongside Health drop-ins - as well as TCAT and New College. We try to raise awareness of young carers among their peer group, removing the stigma surrounding caring, illness and disability. We are able to deliver group or 'whole assembly' short talks - usually with a personal contribution from a young carer.
Sometimes school can be very difficult for me . . .
Do you know a young person who may need our support? Would you like a whole school or group presentation? Ring or email or complete the Referral Form
How can school help?:
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