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Young Carers
Did you know that there are estimated to be between 800 000 and 1 million Young Carers across the UK? Research suggests that 7% of all secondary aged young people are caring at a high level. We are aware that some students may well have caring roles at home. We believe that all young people should have equal access to education as every young person has the right to “put learning first”, regardless of what is happening at home.
In September 2026, we became the first school in the county to be awarded the Young Carers Quality Mark by Derbyshire All Age Carers Service.
Dominique Badman, Education Liaison at Derbyshire All Age Carers Service said:
“Congratulations to Granville Academy on achieving the Young Carers Quality Mark, awarded by Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service!
This well-deserved recognition celebrates the school’s excellent work in identifying and supporting young carers, and its commitment to making that support part of everyday school life.
Across the UK, young carers sit in classrooms with responsibilities at home that often go unseen. Many move through school without anyone understanding the care they provide, or without feeling able to talk about it.
Granville Academy has created a school culture where young carers are identified, supported and celebrated. Young people are encouraged to share their experiences and know that their voices, wellbeing and ambitions matter.
By understanding caring responsibilities and removing barriers to learning and participation, the school supports young carers to enjoy their education, pursue their interests, and work towards their own dreams.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this achievement!”
When a young person helps to look after someone in their family by providing physical care, assistance, emotional support or monitoring situations that alters their own behaviour to adapt to the day, they may need a little extra support to allow them get the most out of school. We aim to understand the issues faced by Young Carers and to support any students who help to look after or support somebody at home.
The definition of a Young Carer is someone under 18, who helps look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs or alcohol.
Some Young Carers look after more than one person and may have health issues of their own.
Some Young Carers start giving care at a very young age and some are not aware they are carers. Other young people become carers overnight due to sudden illness or injury.
- Young Carers can have many different roles and responsibilities that can include but are not restricted to:
- Practical tasks, such as cooking, housework and shopping.
- Physical care, such as helping someone out of bed.
- Emotional support, such as talking to someone who is distressed.
- Personal care, such as helping someone dress.
- Managing the family budget and collecting prescriptions.
- Helping to give medicine.
- Helping someone communicate.
- Looking after brothers and sisters.
Ways in which we can meet the needs of Young Carers at Granville Academy:
We appreciate that there are many factors that impact on students who provide care or support and we do our best to meet the needs of our Young Carers in school in areas such as:
- Having designated members of staff who have special responsibility for Young Carers and can provide students with confidential support and advice in school.
- Staff training on Young Carers
- By working closely with Derbyshire Young Carers
- Providing time and space with key workers
- Running assemblies on young carers so all students understand the issues, carer’s rights and support available.
- Somewhere quiet to complete homework via Homework Club
- Flexibility on deadlines and workloads (when required)
- Access to a phone (especially at lunchtime) if necessary
- Support in areas, such as, attendance
- Support with stress and mental well being
- Priority Careers advice
As part of the registration process, we invite all parents to give us information regarding family circumstances, which might impact on their child. Unless the school is advised about a student’s home circumstances, Young Carers risk first being identified by negative aspects of their behaviour or work. Some Young Carers worry about bullying or interference in their family life and may seek to conceal their role from their peers and teachers.
If this sounds like you, or someone you know, please communicate with the Young Carers Lead: Miss Cowlishaw: jcowlishaw.grn@affinitylp.co.uk or your child’s Head of Year.
You can now refer directly through the Young Carers service, with no need to email a downloaded form. For more information, please visit their website: Derbyshire Carers Association
Please also see: Derbyshire Young Carers Guide for families
Useful Links
Granville Academy identification form Inform us that you have a Caring role/responsibility
Join our Young Carers Showbie Group: EPEWE3
Carers Trust Provides information about Young Carers and their roles as well as support and help
Derbyshire Young Carers: Provides information about Young Carers and support available within Derbyshire, includes self-referral links
Booklet about Young Carers by Young Carers
The Mix: Provides support for young people aged 25 and under on things such as mental health, relationships and money. It has recently launched an online group chat for young carers/young adult carers which takes place on Friday evenings
NHS Young Carers website. It has a lot of useful information and video clips