Wayland Support Networks

At Wayland, our pupils and staff embody our values of working hard for our futures, Work towards independence every day and we are kind to each other, our environment and ourselves.

To ensure that pupils get the most out of Wayland Academy and fulfil their potential, we run a number of support networks

Please contact the staff member linked to the support network below to find out more. 

Young Carers Support Network

Young Carers Champion – Vanessa Mitchelle 

vanessamitchelle@inspirationtrust.org

LGBT+ Support Network

LGBT+ Champion - Steven Shortland

stevenshortland@inspirationtrust.org

Wellbeing Support Network

Wellbeing Champion - Emma Gagen

emmagagen@waylandacademy.org

Forces Families Support Network

Forces Families Champion - Ashleigh TD

ashleightelford-dins@inspirationtrust.org

Schools of Sanctuary Support Network

Schools of Sanctuary Champion - Emma Lancaster and Kate Brown

emmalancaster@inspirationtrust.org or katebrown@waylandacademy.org

 

Young Carers 

At Wayland Academy, we are committed to ensuring our Young Carers have equal access to education and support. We aim to recognise, promote, and support students in accessing education and external services to support their future aspirations and well-being.

Who are Young Carers?

A young carer is a person under 18 who looks after someone in their family or a friend who is ill, disabled, or has a mental health problem or an addiction. Young carers often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.

We also support anyone who is a sibling of someone with any of the above conditions, as well as SEND. They may not have an active caring role but are affected by the needs of another, e.g. are unable to do regular family activities due to the needs of someone else in the household.

What are some responsibilities they may undertake?

  • Shopping, cooking, cleaning
  • Managing medicines or money
  • Providing personal care
  • Helping people get out of the house
  • Keeping an eye on someone
  • Providing emotional support

How common is it?

Around 1 in 5 are Young Carers in the UK.

Many are unidentified. This may be because:

  • The condition of the person they care for is not obvious
  • Young Carers do not realise they are carers/different from others
  • They don’t want to draw attention to their caring role
  • They don’t feel they can discuss it with friends
  • They worry the family will be split up and they will be taken into care
  • They don’t believe it will be helpful to tell someone
  • Parents feel ashamed

The impact of being a Young Carer:

  • Physical health – can often have a lack of sleep
  • Emotional wellbeing – stress, tiredness, mental health problems, e.g. anxiety
  • Socialisation – feel different/isolated from peers and have limited opportunities for socialising. They are also potentially more likely to be bullied due to their caring situation.
  • Education – significantly lower educational attainment if unsupported

Identifying Young Carers:

The above information should help you to identify whether you, your child, or someone you know may be a Young Carer. If this is the case, please contact the staff below for more information:

Support in school for Young Carers:

  • The above members of staff are available for Young Carers to talk to
  • Wellbeing support offered when needed
  • Young Carers support Group once a month at lunchtimes 
  • Assemblies and lessons to raise awareness of Young Carers
External support services for Young Carers 

Useful links:

The Benjamin Foundation: provide BOOM! Groups for Young Carers across Norfolk. The closest group to our school is Watton Youth Group.

https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/services/youth-support-activities/boom-young-carers/

Carers Matter Norfolk: are able to provide 1:1 or family sessions for Young Carers.

https://www.youngcarersmatternorfolk.org/