At South Farnham we are committed to supporting pupils with all aspects of their lives; this includes any of our pupils who are identified as young carers.

A young carer is a young person aged 5 – 16 who looks after someone who couldn’t manage without their help. This could mean looking after a parent, brother or sister, grandparent or family friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or drug and alcohol related issues.  Young carers often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult. Research suggests there are at least 700,000 young carers in the UK, that is as many as one in 12 pupils, but many do not realise they are a young carer.

We are aware that some of our pupils are young carers but unless school is advised about a pupil’s home circumstances, young carers risk not being identified and missing out on support available. Some young carers may be tired, worried, find it difficult to concentrate and have limited time for friendships and activities after school.

We know that young carers may need a little extra support to enjoy and do well at school. At South Farnham School we are committed to ensuring that all pupils who are young carers are identified and supported effectively.

We want to ensure all young carers can enjoy school and make good progress. If you think your child might be a young carer or could be affected by any of the issues we’ve highlighted, please let contact Sarah Pearce via the school office (info@sfet.org.uk).

Any information that is given to us will be treated sensitively and no information will be shared without your knowledge.

If you want to talk to an independent organisation around caring, go to https://www.actionforcarers.org.uk/ for information, advice and support, and have a look at the Young Carers website for more information around Young Carers at https://www.actionforcarers.org.uk/who-we-help/young-carers-under-18/

You can also contact Surrey Young Carers on 01483 568 269, or email syc@actionforcarers.org.uk