Empowering Young Carers: A Training Session at Our School

By Mark Cullen 2/6/25

On Monday, 2nd June 2025, our school had the privilege of hosting a vital training session focused on Young Carers Awareness, facilitated by the dedicated team from Warrington Carers Hub. This initiative formed part of our Staff Continuing Professional Development Training and was expertly arranged and introduced by AnnaMarie Ellis, our Assistant Headteacher responsible for Behaviour and Welfare and Designated Safeguarding Lead.

The training featured an engaging PowerPoint presentation delivered by two representatives from Warrington Carers Hub. The informative session covered a broad range of key topics, aimed at raising awareness and understanding of young carers among our staff. The presentation commenced by outlining the invaluable role of the Warrington Carers Hub, an organisation committed to supporting individuals who take on the significant responsibility of caring.

Participants learned about the purpose of the training, specifically highlighting who qualifies as a young carer and the many hats they wear. Young carers are often responsible for looking after a family member who is ill, disabled, or struggling with mental health issues. These responsibilities can greatly impact their daily lives, often resulting in challenges relating to physical health, emotional wellbeing, socialisation, and educational attainment.

The statistics shared during the training were indeed eye-opening. With an estimated number of young carers in the region exceeding expectations, the need for proper support and recognition became abundantly clear. The presentation also cited valuable information from the Carers Trust website, assisting staff in understanding the breadth of the issue at hand.

Important legislative frameworks such as the Care Act 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014 were introduced, underscoring the rights and protection for young carers. The relevance of these laws ties directly into responsibilities set forth by Ofsted regarding the safeguarding of children, ensuring their wellbeing is at the forefront of our educational priorities.

Despite the pressing need for support, the trainers highlighted that many young carers remain hidden within our communities. This concealment often stems from social stigma, a lack of awareness, or the internalisation of their roles as caregivers. Identifying young carers in our school environment is paramount, which is where our staff can play a crucial role.

In response to the needs outlined, AnnaMarie will be initiating a support group for young carers at our school, which will convene every three weeks. This group aims to create a nurturing environment where young carers can find solidarity and assistance. Furthermore, AnnaMarie has reached out to staff members, inviting them to become Young Carer Champions. This initiative will empower faculty to support and advocate for these remarkable young individuals, recognising their contributions while addressing the challenges they face.

The collaboration with Warrington Carers Hub signals a significant commitment to not only raising awareness but also providing meaningful support to our young carers and their families.