Young Carers
At The Hermitage Schools, 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 or friend 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.
Some tasks children may engage in: practical tasks (e.g. cooking, housework and shopping); physical care (lifting or helping someone use the stairs); personal care (dressing, washing, helping with toilet needs; managing the family budget (collecting benefits and prescriptions); managing medication; looking after younger siblings; helping someone to communicate with others both inside the home and in the wider community.
Research suggests there are at least 700,000 young carers in the UK, with an estimated 14,000 young carers in Surrey, but many more do not realise they are a young carer.
We know that young carers may need a little extra support to enjoy and do well at school. The Hermitage School are committed to ensuring that all pupils who are young carers are identified and supported effectively. Some examples of things we offer are support from a member of our pastoral team, special consideration for extra-curricular activities and referral to outside services such as Surrey Young Carers. Anything offered will be individually tailored to the pupil’s individual needs.
Our Home School Link Worker (HSLW) is also Young Carers leader whose role it is to help identify and co-ordinate the support for our young carers across both schools.
If you think, your child might be a young carer please let us know by completing the slip below and return it via the school office in an envelope marked for HSLW. If you do not feel comfortable doing this or have any further questions, please contact hslw@hermitage.surrey.sch.uk. Any information that is given to us will be treated sensitively and no information will be shared without your knowledge.
Angel Award
The Hermitage Schools are proud to have received The Angel Award for our efforts with our Young Carers.
Our Schools continue to nurture and plan exciting activities for this wonderful increasing group with passion, determination and care.
Are you helping to look after someone in your family? Could you be a YOUNG CARER? Click here to find out more information.
