Week A

Young Carers

Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre is working hard to best support our young carers, or our ‘heroes at home’. Working in tandem with the Children’s Society, we are in the process of accreditation for the work we are doing to better support students who might be young carers. Highdown is working hard to best support young carers in and out of school.

What is a young carer?

A young carer is someone under 18 who helps look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition or misuses drugs or alcohol.

How will I know if I am a young carer?

Young carers often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities. These can include:

  • Practical tasks
  • Physical care
  • Personal care
  • Emotional support
  • Managing the family budget
  • Medication management
  • Looking after younger siblings
  • Helping someone communicate

Who can I talk to?

If you think this applies to you, contact youngcarers@highdown.reading.sch.uk. We will then be in touch to go through what support Highdown or other agencies can offer. 

Alternatively, you can complete this FORM to notify us of the details and nature of the caring.

Daily drop in sessions - 8:40am-9:00am in the Star Centre. 

Where can I get support in school?

All members of staff are here to support you. Trained designated staff are in position to best help:

Designated Young Carers Leads 
  • Mr A Franks: Young Carers Senior Leadership Lead
  • Mrs R Turner: Young Carers School Operational Lead
  • STAR CENTRE: Mrs R Boys
  • School First Aider: Mrs Murphy
  • Governor Link: Ms C Faulkes

STAR Centre Group

This is run every month and provide a safe space for you to talk about worries or stresses, as well as meet with other young carers at Highdown. 

Inclusion

STAR Centre and the Learning Support area is available at lunchtime to provide a safe space to relax and talk.

Staff awareness

Your teachers will be aware that you are a young carer and respectful of the fact that this might impact your ability to work at home.

Coming Soon

Being a young carer can sometimes mean you might be called upon to prepare meals, look after siblings, or maybe even do some practical first aid. We are looking to provide practical first aid and cooking classes in the near future. 

Support for young carers outside of school

Berkshire Young Carers provide a variety of support, including Young Carers Club and additional drop-ins. More information can be found at http://www.berkshirecarershub.org

Additionally, national charities such as The Children’s SocietyCarers Trust, and Young Minds all help further support young carers.