Think Young Carer
identifying and supporting young carers in schools across Barnet
Why Think Young Carer?
Identifying young carers is vital if we are to provide them with the support they need. The Think Young Carer campaign will aid that identification.
What you can do in your school
The Schools Census means that you have a duty to identify the young carers in your school. But there is much more you could do.
Support available for your school
We have created resources to help you support young carers in your school. From posters to mentoring, there is a great offer for young carers in Barnet.
Young carer facts and figures
Recent research from Carers Trust shows that Young carers are missing on average 23 days of school every year. Download our factsheet
Young carer checklist
We have created a simple checklist to help support the identification of young carers in your school. Can you display it in staff rooms and classrooms? Download here
Get involved
Children who have caring responsibilities for siblings or adults can suffer adversity, it can impact on their emotional well-being and mental health, their capacity to build and sustain friendships, enjoy activities and on their capacity to engage in learning.
Too often, children who shoulder caring responsibilities are out of sight, they can be absent or miss more school than their peers or miss important appointments for their own health, learning and development needs which can increase the risk of poor mental health, social isolation, low educational attainment and neglect.
Barnet has a fantastic support offer for young carers and information for professionals. With your help, we can make sure every young carer is seen, heard and accessing the support they need to protect them from harm.
Chris Munday
Family Services Director &
Commissioning Director – Children &
Young People
data above from the Carers Trust report: Caring and classes:
the education gap for young carers (2024)
Young carers play a huge role in supporting family members in Barnet. But we know that their role has a significant impact on their lives. We want to level the playing field for young carers – but to do that we need to identify them. That is where the Think Young Carer campaign comes in. We want everyone to Think Young Carer so that we can make sure these young people get the help and support they need and deserve.
Schools Groups Programme
Find out how we can help support a young carers group in your school. Find out more about starting a young carers group in your school here.
Mentoring Programme for young carers
Express an interest in supporting young carers through a referral to our one-to-one and group mentoring programme funded by the Mayor of London.
Educational support for young carers
Working with our local partners Xpress Tuition we can help support young carers who might be struggling with their attainment. You can refer a young carer here.
Coaching for young carers over 16
We offer an 8-week coaching programme for young carers over the age of 16 who are considering their future options. You can refer here.
Young carers activity programme
Our activity programme gives young carers opportunities that they might otherwise not have access to. Find out more here.
Young Carers in Schools Programme
Run jointly by Carers Trust and The Children’s Society, the Young Carers in Schools (YCiS) programme works with schools across England to share good practice, provide relevant tools and training, and celebrate the great outcomes many schools achieve for young carers.
Young Carers Challenge
Take the Young Carers Challenge. Link with your local young carers service, appoint a young carers champion and raise awareness of young carers in your school. There are lots of resources available for your school and the Barnet Young Carers Team is here to help.
Young Carers and the Schools Census
Since 2023, young carers have been included within the January school census return. From January 2024, independent schools will also be asked to record the number of young
carers in their school in their school-level annual school census return.
Resources for your school
Young Carers in your Primary School
A guide to identifying and supporting young carers in a primary school setting. The guide is available for immediate download here or order FREE print copies for your school via our order form here.
Young Carers in your Secondary School
A guide to identifying and supporting young carers in a secondary school setting. The guide is available for immediate download here or order FREE print copies for your school via our order form here.
Secondary School Resources
From posters to postcards and bookmarks. We have a range of resources that you can use in your secondary school. Posters are available for immediate download here or order FREE print copies for your school via our order form here. Other materials are only available in print.
Primary School Resources
From posters to postcards and bookmarks. We have a range of resources that you can use in your primary school. Posters are available for immediate download here or order FREE print copies for your school via our order form here. Other materials are only available in print.
We Know What to Do!
Download a copy of our award-winning film about young carers. Ideal for using in PSHE lessons or school assemblies. Download here.
Useful Links
Barnet Education and Learning Service
Child and Family Early Help Hubs
Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
The Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Team is the first point of entry to report urgent welfare concerns about children and young people made by professionals, families and the public. Contact the MASH. If you believe a child is at risk of immediate harm please call the Police on 999
Carers Trust
Young Minds
contact us
Monday to Friday: 9am - 4:30pm
Address
Barnet Young Carers
Global House, 303 Ballards Lane
N12 8NP
Phone
0203 995 1909