Blake and Rosa from our YC & YAC Committee represented carers in Suffolk when they attended a meeting with Ofsted as part of the Ofsted ‘Big Listen’ 2024
Rosa and Blake were joined by other Young Carers and Young Adult Carers from England to share their experiences and opinions of support in education for carers.
Neil Redmond-King from Ofsted explained that as part of the ‘Big Listen’ they had already spoken to teachers and parents but wanted to also hear from the young people to gain their reflections and ideas.
Young Carer experiences of support they received from their school:
“We had a fabulous YC Lead in school, she arranged weekly catch ups and groups. She sadly dies and the support she gave to us wasn’t recognised and replaced by the school”.
“When dad became ill, school were made aware and were great. Once he was on medication and stable all support stopped like they assumed my caring role had stopped but it continued, all back on my shoulders”.
“No one in school (teachers) knew I was a carer, only the Head of Year and that was my decision. It was great for me that they allowed an Adviser from Suffolk family Carers to come into school to chat with me when I needed to”.
“Our YC Lead had been a Young Carer as a child so he was really understanding”.
“In Key Stage Four, G.C.S.E’s are the priority. I had to attend extra revision sessions which clashed with the YC Group; grades more than personal development”.
“In Primary school all staff knew me and my family. In High School no one knows anything about me or what I need”.
“At Secondary School, Teachers knew I was a Young carer because I chose to take it on myself to raise awareness”.
Suggestions to be put to Martin Olive (Chief Executive of Ofsted) by Young Carers:
“Support is determined and dependent on who the YC Lead is and it needs the buy in of the Head teacher to influence how the school recognises carers”.
“Empower staff members to be the YC Lead at their school. Give the role recognition”.
“Consistent awareness raising in schools across the country”.
“Free school meals for Young Carers in Year 11 during GCSE’s as it is easier for a carer to just grab a bag of crisps than have a proper meal and there isn’t always someone at home who can make sure you are eating properly during exam time”.
“Help make teachers more understanding. We are not using our caring role as an excuse but a reason”.
“Who monitors the attendance of Young Carers like schools do for other groups?”
Thank you to Carers Trust for providing the opportunity. If you have read this and want to speak to our Committee please get in touch.
