A King’s Lynn school has won a national award for its work supporting pupils who help care for family members.
Parkway Academy has received the Young Carers in Schools award in recognition of the support it provides, including regular meetings, drop-in sessions, fundraising events and school trips.
Sophie Hopkins, the school’s young carer champion, said: “Our school is incredibly welcoming of all pupils and this award recognises the support given to our young carers and gives them the recognition they deserve for the incredible job that they do.
“We are so proud of the Young Carers community we are building.”
Young carers are children under 18 who help look after a family member who needs support because of illness, disability, a mental health condition or addiction.
The school runs fortnightly meetings and drop-in sessions with a designated member of staff, while its young carers group also leads assemblies.
The award is part of a national programme run by charities The Children’s Society and Carers Trust to help schools identify and support young carers.
Vicky Morgan, Carers Trust’s head of young carers and young adult carers, said: “Figures show there are two young carers in every classroom but balancing learning with looking after family members can be tough without help.
“By identifying young carers and putting support in place, schools and teachers can make a huge difference to their wellbeing and education.”
Research by Carers Trust shows 40% of young carers say they do not receive enough support to balance their education with caring responsibilities.
Separate research by The Children’s Society found that young carers achieve an average of one grade lower in GCSE subjects than their peers.
The Young Carers in Schools programme is open to schools across England.
