THERE were smiles all round when an Acocks Green Secondary school won a prestigious award for their work supporting young carers with their education.
Ninestiles, an Academy – which is run by Summit Learning Trust – was presented with the Young Carers in Schools Award for the first time.
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.
Young carers are children under 18 who are responsible for the care of a family member with whom, due to illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction, are unable to cope without their support.
Ninestiles was awarded this prestigious accolade by demonstrating how they support young carers including running homework clubs and drop-in sessions with a member of staff responsible for this vulnerable group of children and young people.
Solihull Sixth Form College also received its re-accreditation.
Yarnfield Primary School in Tysley, which is also run by the Trust, also received the Young Carers in Schools Award for the first time.
Vince Green, chief executive of the Summit Learning Trust said: “Everyone at Summit is delighted that Ninestiles, an Academy and Yarnfield Primary School have achieved the Young Carers in School Award, and that Solihull Sixth Form College has been re-accredited with the Carers Federation Quality Standard.
“The work these academies have done and continue to do to support young carers has made a significant difference to their lives and education.
“I am very proud of all our staff members that have introduced changes to support carers and of all the young carers out there who work so hard both at home and at school or college.”
Research by Carers Trust shows 40 per cent of young carers say they don’t get enough support to balance education and caring.
Separate research by The Children’s Society shows young carers get an average of one grade lower in GCSE subjects than their peers and they often also have lower levels of self-confidence and mental wellbeing.
Statutory guidance makes clear that all school staff should be particularly alert to the potential need for early help for young carers. The Young Carers in School programme is a way of helping schools address this.
The Young Carers in School programme is open to all schools in England. To sign up, click here.
