Supporting Young Carers at Brookland Infant and Nursery School

At Brookland Infant and Nursery school we are aware some of our children are young carers.  Young carers are children who are under the age of 18 who provide regular care for a family member or are affected by the needs of a relative they are living with.  These needs may include:

• Long term or life limiting illness
• Mental health issues
• Substance or alchol misuse
• Physical disability
• Learning disability e.g.autism, ADHD, Down syndrome

Young carers often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.  At times, this may even include missing out on social events such as play dates, birthday parties, or other social activities that are normal for children their age.

Young carers are a vulnerable group who frequently experience difficulties in their education as a result of their caring role.

The school has identified Jenny Catley as the school’s Young Carers Operational Lead who will work with Alison Gross, Inclusion Leader, in order to ensure we can identify and offer support to children within our school.

Our Young Carers are invited to attend ‘Jenny’s cub’ which runs once a week at lunchtime where the children are able to participate in a range of fun activities.   

Barnet Young Carers 

Young Carers often take on responsibilities that go beyond what we would expect any children or young people to do. We understand that sometimes it is this added responsibility that can impact the mental health of a Young Carer. Having to juggle caring responsibilities; school/college and a social life is not easy. It can influence stress, anxiety and sometimes a sense of feeling alone in a situation with nobody understanding what they are going through.

Helping young carers – mental health and wellbeing

Both parents and children can get support from the organisation Barnet Young Carers.  If you would like to register your child and/or yourself please click on the link

https://barnetyoungcarers.org.uk/ or alternatively you are welcome to speak to Alison Gross who will support you and your child to complete the online registration form.

Barnet Young Carers offers a range of services including:

• Variety of fun activities, events and outings (transport may be available upon request)
• 1:1 mentoring (Age 10+)
• Homework support (Age 10+)

Young carers are not alone...

… in what they are thinking or feeling.  Many other people have been in the same place.  The team at Barnet Carers has the experience and skills to help and support young carers in what they are going through. 

If you would like further information, please contact Alison Gross at senco@brooklandinf.barnet.sch.uk or Barnet Young Carers directly at info@barnetcarers.org or call 020 8343 9698