Young carers definition:

A young carer is defined as a child or young person aged under 18, who looks after or supports a family member or friend who is disabled, has a learning disability, has an illness or experiences drug/ alcohol addiction. The child or young person may provide a range of support, for example emotional, physical or communicative help.

If you think your child might be a young carer, or could be affected by any of the issues mentioned above, please let us know by contacting the school office on 01603 426 550.

In school support:

Here at Firside Junior school we are proud to recognise and support our young carers. Therefore, we are working to achieve our Young Carer Friendly Tick award. To ensure that our young carers are supported in school we run a termly young carers meeting, which children can attend to share their experiences, build an understanding support network, and have an opportunity to relax. 

We understand that our young carers may need additional support, therefore we also offer:

• 1:1 tailored support for the child or their family.

• Termly young carers group meetings

• Young carers trips (fully funded)

• Referrals to external organisations to access specialist support.

• Pastoral support.

• Help applying for a Young Carers Passport (Optional). 

Young Carers staff:

School’s Young carers lead: Miss V. Rogers (DSL)

Young carers SLT member: Mr R. O’Malley (DSL)

Young carer trained staff:  Miss Leeson, Miss Callaway, Miss Henderson, Mrs Gluckstein.

Young Carers pupil Ambassadors:

Two students have been appointed as our Young Carers Ambassadors. Our ambassadors help to support with the planning of young carers sessions, assisting with fundraising events and raising awareness of the challenges faced by our young carers across the school. 

External support:

As a school, we work closely with The Benjamin Foundation, who offer young carers support and the opportunity to connect with other young carers through their Boom! Support groups. We can also access support via Young Carers Matter and Norfolk County Council, who provide children with tailored support for their unique caring roles through a Young Carer's Needs Assessment, and can provide the opportunity for young carers to take short breaks from their young caring roles.