Young Carers
At Mill Rythe Junior school we are dedicated to enabling all of our pupils to reach their potential. We are aware that some of our pupils take on caring duties at home for other family members above and beyond what may be expected for a child of their age. Understandably, this can effect a child’s emotional, social and academic well -being. It is important to us that these pupils are well supported, in the best way that suits them.
We consider a Young Carer as any child (under 18 years old) who regularly looks after a family member who has an illness, disability, mental illness or addiction. This person may be a sibling, a parent or a member of their extended family.
The types of caring tasks undertaken by a young carer may vary greatly but they may involve some of the following:
- Practical tasks (cooking, housework and shopping)
- Physical care, such as, lifting or helping someone use the stairs or physiotherapy.
- Personal care such as dressing, washing and helping with toileting needs.
- Managing the family budget collecting benefits and prescriptions.
- Managing and administering medication
- Looking after or ‘parenting’ sibling with medical needs.
- Helping someone communicate whether that is due to a hearing impairment or because English is not the family’s first language.
- Providing emotional support for other family members.