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Support for Young Carers

Identifying and supporting young carers at Fitzalan High School 

At Fitzalan High School we are aware that some of our pupils are young carers.  

A young carer is someone under 18 who is caring, unpaid, for a family member, or friend, who is mentally or physically unwell, frail, disabled or who misuses substances. 

They often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.  

Children may engage in:

· Practical tasks (cooking, housework and shopping)

· Physical care (lifting or helping someone use the stairs)

· Personal care (dressing, washing, helping with toilet needs)

· Managing the family budget (collecting benefits and prescriptions)

· Managing medication

· Looking after younger siblings

· Helping someone communicate

When completing one or more of these tasks becomes a necessity, then we would classify a pupil as a young carer. Research suggests there are at least 800,000 young carers in the UK, but many do not realise they are a young carer. This means there could be 6 young carers in a class of 30. 

We know that young carers may need a little extra support to enjoy and do well at school. At Fitzalan High School, we are committed to ensuring that all pupils who are young carers are identified and supported effectively.

Miss R Jewitt is the school link for Young carers. If you (or your child) are a young carer, please speak to Miss Jewitt, your Head of Year or email rje@fitzalan.cardiff.sch.uk.

Any information that is given to us will be treated sensitively and no information will be shared without your knowledge.

Useful websites and reading 

Support for Young Carers  - Link to Cardiff Council Support Page

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