We are very proud to share that Hanley St Luke's has won the prestigious award for supporting students who are young carers!

Young carers are children under 18 who are responsible for the care of a family member with who, due to illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction, can’t cope without their support.

The award is part of the Young Carers in School programme run by charities The Children’s Society and Carers Trust. The programme provides primary and secondary schools across England with step-by-step guidance for teachers, leaders and non-teaching staff to gain the practical tools they need to help young carers.

We have won the award by demonstrating how we support young carers at our school. This includes running clubs and drop-in sessions. offering support, raising awareness with staff & children and designating members of staff responsible for this potentially more vulnerable group of pupils.

Research by The Children’s Society shows that without adequate support, young carers get an average of one grade lower in GCSE subjects than their peers and they often also have lower levels of self-confidence and mental wellbeing.

Statutory guidance makes clear that all school staff should be particularly alert to the potential need for early help for young carers. We at HSL are proud to provide this.

Vicky Morgan, Carers Trust’s Head of Young Carers at Young Adult Carers, said:
“We’re delighted to present the Young Carers in Schools award to Hanley St Luke's. National figures show there are on average, two young carers in every classroom but balancing learning with looking after family members can be tough without help.
By identifying young carers and putting support in place, schools and teachers can make a huge difference to their wellbeing and education.
That’s why the brilliant work done by staff at Hanley St Luke's is so vital and why this award is so richly deserved.”

If you think your child may be a young carer, please speak to Mrs Cartwright-Davies or Miss Facey.