At The Latimer Arts College we are aware that some of our pupils are young carers. A young carer is someone under 18 who is caring unpaid for a family member who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems. They often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult. Research suggests there are at least 700,000 young carers in the UK, but many do not realise they are a young carer.

To support our Young Carers, all staff receive training to help identify young carers and understand that there is a range of support available to support these students. The work we do to support young carers in school is endorsed by the senior leadership team and the school governing body.

We have staff in school who lead our young carers support program:

Mr Steve King – assistant and SLT Lead for Young Carers
Mrs Heidi Angel – LAC and EHA lead, Deputy safeguarding Lead and Young Carers school lead
Mrs Cara Strudwick- teacher of Maths and Young carer champion

WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE TO YOUNG CARERS IN SCHOOL?

Morning Boost – Between 8:00 and 8:20am, Young Carers can use their fingerprint in the canteen to grab a free piece of toast or a cereal bar — no charge, just a little help to start their day right.

Mrs Strudwick also runs, rest and refuel in MA 8 every break, where they can grab a biscuit, crisps and a drink as well as any school equipment they may need, or even just a friendly chat.

Every Week 1 Wednesday form time, 11.50-12.20, in the Library, there is a drop-in for young carers to meet each other, have a glass of juice and some biscuits, play some games and speak to Mrs Angel and Mrs Strudwick.

We are also available before and after school, as well as throughout the day if they need any additional support with school work, homework or signposting to further support outside of school.

Young carers can also request support from our young carer team through their tutor or by accessing the young carer email youngcarers@latimer.org.uk

WHAT WIDER SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE FOR YOUNG CARERS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

We work collaboratively with Young Carers Northamptonshire, and they support our young carers by coming into school for a morning or afternoon of fun activities so that it can give our young carers a break from their normal routines.

Young carers and their families can also access Northamptonshire Young carers

Tel- 01933 677907, option 2. Lines are open Mon-Fri 9.00-5.00pm

Young Carers | Northamptonshire Carers Association
Facebook Northamptonshire Young carers page

Northamptonshire Young carers also have an AI chat option that is available 24/7 for a chat or advice. This can be found by following the above link.

This information has been taken from their website:
We’re proud to launch Bridgit for Young Carers, the AI platform that provides support and Advice 24/7 for young carers. Bridgit offers young carers personalised advice, access to services and events in your local area. It is your go-to for guidance and support, all in one place.

Find out about financial support for young carers aged 16 and over at www.moneyhelper.org.uk

Read about what support is available post 16 for future training and employment https://carers.org/young-carers-futures-hub/young-carers-futures-hub

Lawstuff gives free legal advice to young people in England. Lawstuff is run by Coram Children’s Legal Centre, which provides more detailed information both over the phone and online.
https://lawstuff.org.uk/childrens-services/young-carers/
There is also more advice to be found at
The mix
https://www.themix.org.uk/explore-our-topics/money-and-employment/support-for-young-carers/

For any other WELLBEING AND MENTAL HEALTH support, please see here