Young Carers

Here at Whiteley we are committed to supporting all of our children, including our Young Carers.

Who is a Young Carer?

A Young Carer is someone aged 18 or under who helps look after a relative who has a condition such as:

• A physical disability
• A learning disability
• A long term illness
• A mental health condition, or misuses substances or alcohol

If you think that your child may be a Young Carer, please contact the designated lead Mrs Elshaw via the school office on 01489 881601.

What things does a Young Carer do?

A Young Carer takes on additional responsibilities. A Young Carer might be providing the main care or share responsibilities with another family member. The caring task can range greatly from:

• Giving medication or helping with mobility
• Washing, dressing, feeding
• Listening, supporting a relative through depression, being there to talk to
• Washing, shopping, cleaning
• Paying bills
• Helping look after a sibling

How do we support Young Carers at Whiteley Primary School?

• There is a designated lead teacher responsible for the well-being of Young Carers
• A notice board for children to find out information about Young Carers
• A notice board for staff to help them identify a Young Carer and give them guidance on how best to support them
• A lunch time Young Carers group once a week for children to come and chat, meet other Young Carers, do their homework etc.
• A letterbox/worry box where children can post their concerns or questions if the designated lead teacher is unavailable.
• A full time Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
• Access to the school nursing team
• A referral system to the charity group KIDS

The Young Carers Group

• Will always respect each other and listen to each other carefully
• Will not laugh at or make fun of other children’s reasons for being a Young Carer
• Will not talk to others about other people’s personal/private information
• Will support each other
• Will create a welcoming environment