Supporting Young Carers at Orchard Park Primary
At Orchard Park Primary, we are committed to supporting young carers. We understand the unique challenges they may face and strive to provide a supportive environment where they can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Young carers are young people under the age of 18 who provide care, unpaid, for a family member with an illness or disability, mental health condition or an addiction. A child can also be classified as a young carer if they regularly provide practical or emotional support to a sibling with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), or if their daily life and well-being are significantly impacted by a family member at home.
Our Support Offerings Include:
Young Carers Group: A safe space for young carers to connect with peers, share experiences, and access additional support. Young carers are invited to an optional lunch club, with their chosen activities planned out across the year.
1:1 Support: Our dedicated Young Carers Champion, Mrs MacColl, is here to provide personalised support and guidance to young carers and their families.
Flexible Academic Support: We offer support with homework expectations and some attendance allowances to accommodate the responsibilities of young carers.
Staff Training: Our staff members undergo specialised training to better understand and support the needs of young carers.
Assemblies and Events: Assemblies and events to raise awareness and celebrate the contributions of young carers.
Additional Resources: In addition to our school-specific offerings, we also provide referrals to external organisations such as Centre 33 for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers Needs Assessments.
If you think your child might be a young carer, please don't hesitate to contact Mrs MacColl (Deputy Headteacher and Young Carer Champion).
