At Tithe Farm Primary School, we are committed to developing provision for young carers and their families so that they can attend school, enjoy their learning and fully participate in all areas of school life. We are committed to overcoming barriers to learning and help raise attendance and attainment of young carers.

A young carer is any young person who helps look after someone in their family – this may be due to illness, disability, mental health problems or an addiction. Statistics show that there are likely to be young carers in every school; one in ten young carers are under ten years old.

At Tithe Farm Primary School, we will capture the commitment by ensuring the young carers’ needs by reviewing our school’s provision for young carers, with a view to ultimately achieving best practice.

How we will achieve this:

• The whole school is committed to meeting the needs of young carers so that they can attend and enjoy school in the same way as other pupils/students and achieve their potential.
• The school has a designated Young Carers’ School Lead (Mrs Molloy) and a Young Carers’ Operational Lead (Mrs Ryan), who are responsible for young carers and their families.  If you think your child may be a young carer, please contact them via the school office to discuss any help or support we can offer.
• The school only shares information with professionals and agencies with consent on a need to know basis in order to support pupils and their families.
• The school has an effective referral system and strong partnership in place with relevant external agencies, including the school nurse and the local young carers’ service.
• The school takes a proactive approach to identifying young carers.
• The school reduces barriers to education and learning and supports the well-being of young carers.
• The school understands the needs of families of young carers.
• The school will actively seek feedback and ideas from young carers and their families to shape and improve support.

We support our Young Carers by running sessions monthly straight after school for an hour. Within this time, the children will have time to play, take part in art and craft activities and socialise with other children in a similar situation. 

We recognise that not all Young Carers may not want to be identified in a group. 1:1 support is always available for all Young Carers, regardless if they choose to attend the sessions.

If you feel your child is a Young Carer, then please contact Jackie Molloy on 01582 865047 or email youngcarers@tithefarmprimary.co.uk 

We are proud to announce that we have been awarded a Bronze Award for our Young Carers  in Schools Work!

Over the last 12 months, Mrs Molloy has been working hard to ensure that we meet all the criteria to be awarded this.

Each month, Mrs Molloy runs a Young Carers after-school club. During this club, the children get to spend time doing crafts, sports and other activities as well as socialise with other Young Carers.

If you feel your child may be a Young Carer, please speak to Mrs Molloy, and she will be able to invite them to join the group. 

Early Help Young Carers

Early Help team within Central Bedfordshire Support Young Carers across the county. Events and activities are arranged during school holidays for Young Carers free of charge. Events such as day trips and activities such as bowling/panto.

If you would like to receive this support, please contact Jackie Molloy or click on the link below to find out more information.

Early Help Young Carers

Carers In Bedfordshire

Carers in Bedfordshire offers support, information and guidance for Young Carers. Parents and organisation can also refer a young carer to Carers in Bedfordshire. 

https://carersinbeds.org.uk/

Young Minds - Young Carers coping with life

Young Carers guide for Young People 

Young Minds

Carers trust mental health for young people

Watch Video here

NHS guidance and support for Young Carers

NHS - Young Carers - Know your rights. 

NHS Guide

Children's Society - Young Carers 

Advice and support for young Carers

Children's Society

Sibs

Sibs is a charity that supports brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults, providing information, support and training on sibling issues for adult siblings, young siblings, parents and professionals.

Sibs