Northampton Academy has achieved a Bronze Award from the Young Carers in Schools programme, for our work supporting young carers.
The programme, run by national charity the Carers Trust, helps primary and secondary schools improve outcomes for young carers and celebrates good practice through the Young Carers in Schools Award.
Research carried out by Carers Trust and The Children's Society shows that, on average, young carers miss or cut short 48 school days a year and often have lower levels of self-confidence, mental wellbeing and significantly lower educational attainment at GCSE level, because of their caring role.
Northampton Academy, however, has been celebrated for its work to ensure that young carers do not miss out on their education because of their caring responsibilities.
To achieve this award, the school has demonstrated the many ways in which staff support young carers to achieve just as highly as their peers. This includes providing homework clubs and drop-in sessions with staff to help students stay on top of their learning and make good progress. All staff are also trained on how to identify young carers and students are advised through assemblies and message boards about where they can go for additional help and guidance.
Mazahir, who is a young carer for his brother commented, “This school has helped me to feel safer and reassured about my brother, who is also here. Mrs Smith and the school have really helped me get back on my feet.”
Another young carer Lucy, added, “This school has helped me feel like a normal, everyday teenager. If things get a little stressful I know I have an amazing support system to guide me.”
Mr Parnell said, “We have made it our mission to bring out the best in all our students, so it is important for us to identify and remove any barriers to learning for our young people. For those students who are also young carers at home, it is essential that they have the right support to help them make strong progress in their learning alongside their peers. We are very pleased that this Bronze Award recognises the impact that our work is having on the young people at Northampton Academy.”
Giles Meyer, Chief Executive of Carers Trust, congratulated the school saying, “The Young Carers in Schools programme is helping to transform schools and support staff across England. Schools play a vital role in a young carer’s life, as many care for relatives without their teachers even knowing what they do. On average young carers will miss a day of school each month as a result of their caring role, so the steps schools take to identify and support them can have a huge impact on their learning, wellbeing and life chances.”