Wayland Academy wins Young Carers in Schools award

Our academy have won a prestigious award for the work we do supporting young carers with their education. The school was presented with the Young Carers in Schools award on 29th April. Young carers are children under 18 who are responsible for the care of a family member who, due to illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction, can’t cope without their support. 

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. 

Our academy won the award by demonstrating how we support Young Carers. This includes running homework clubs and drop-in sessions with a member of staff responsible for this vulnerable group of pupils. Other things we offer include a gardening intervention to allow young carers to have an opportunity to take time for themselves and trips and visits with pupils in similar positions to grow their support network. Importantly, pupils have a listening ear and a go to member of staff to ensure support. 

Lucy Austin, Principal of Wayland Academy, said: 

“We’re really proud of the offer we provide to all our pupils, but we go the extra mile for pupils who are more vulnerable. Wayland cares about pupils as individuals and our dedicated staff ensure all pupils are given a huge range of experiences throughout school which help them work towards independence in their futures.” 

Our young carers have a formal monthly meeting to share their voice on the challenges they face. We never lower our standards of them, but we ensure they are supported to work hard and thrive in their futures. We are supported by the Benjamin Foundation who also provide out of school opportunities for pupils with caring responsibilities.

Quinn, Year 10 said: 

“School has helped me a lot as a young carer. Sometimes things are hard at home, so it makes a difference knowing there's someone in school that I can talk to. I really like the trips we get to go on because I can relax and have a break from things at home. I like attending the Young Carers group in school as I get to meet other young carers.” 

Research by Carers Trust shows 40% 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.  

Vicky Morgan, Carers Trust’s Head of Young Carers at Young Adult Carers, said:  

“We’re delighted to present the Young Carers in Schools award to Wayland Academy. 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. That’s why the brilliant work done by staff at Wayland Academy is so vital and why this award is so richly deserved.” 

Lisa Witherden, Head of National Programmes at The Children’s Society said: 

"Recent figures from the school census highlight that nearly 80% of schools reported they had zero young carers in their pupil population. We know this simply isn't true and that young carers are a hidden group of children and young people who need support to achieve the same level of success as their peers at school. We're absolutely thrilled that Wayland Academy has achieved the Young Carers in Schools award, demonstrating their commitment to identifying these hidden children and young people and ensuring they get the vital support they need to thrive in education and in life beyond school." 

The Young Carers in School programme is open to all schools in England. To sign up, visit www.youngcarersinschools.com