Who are young carers?

Do you have pupils that are…

Absent from lessons
Struggle to take part in after school activities or trips
Late with homework
Tired or distracted
Concerned about keeping their phone on, or staying in touch with a family member during school hours

They might be a young carer or young adult carer – young people who look after someone in their family or a friend who is ill, disabled, or has a mental health problem or an addiction.

They may help by:

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

In recent research, 13% of all pupils surveyed had caring responsibilities

COVID Social Mobility and Opportunities (COSMO) (2023) Study

40% of young carers and young adult carers say they either 'never' or 'not often' get support in their school, college or university

Carers Trust (2023) Being a Young Carer is not a choice; it’s just what we do

Young carers are missing 23 days of school every year

Carers Trust (2024) Caring and classes: the education gap for young carers