Young Carers
Supporting Young Carers
We are committed to identifying and supporting Young Carers within our school community.
In July 2026, we were presented with the Young Carers in Schools award. Young carers are children under 18 who are responsible for the care of a family member with who, due to illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction, can’t cope without their support.
The award is part of the Young Carers in School programme run by charities The Children’s Society and Carers Trust. The programme provides primary and secondary schools across England with step-by-step guidance for teachers, leaders and non-teaching staff to gain the practical tools they need to help young carers.
We recognise that caring responsibilities can have a significant impact on a child’s wellbeing, attendance, and learning.
Our approach includes:
-
Ensuring staff are trained to recognise the signs that a child may be a Young Carer.
-
Providing pastoral support, adjustments, and additional help where needed.
-
Working in partnership with local Young Carers services to ensure families receive appropriate guidance and specialist support.
-
Creating a safe, understanding environment where Young Carers feel listened to and supported.
Vicky Morgan, Carers Trust’s Head of Young Carers at Young Adult Carers, said:
We’re delighted to present the Young Carers in Schools award to St Margaret's School. Figures show there are two young carers in every classroom but balancing learning with looking after family members can be tough without help. By identifying young carers and putting support in place, schools and teachers can make a huge difference to their wellbeing and education. That’s why the brilliant work done by staff at St Margaret's is so vital and why this award is so richly deserved.
If you would like more information about Young Carers, please speak with Mrs Darby.
West Sussex County Council also have lots of information to support Young Carers - please see their website through this link: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/education-children-and-families/young-carers/#young-carers-family-service-eligibility-criteria