Young Carers

At Kings Priory School, we recognise that some of our pupils carry significant responsibilities at home as Young Carers.

A Young Carer is anyone under 18 who helps look after a family member—such as a parent, sibling, or grandparent—who has a disability, mental health condition, chronic illness, or substance misuse issue.

We are deeply committed to ensuring that these dedicated young people are not disadvantaged by their caring roles. Our goal is to provide a supportive "safety net" that allows Young Carers to enjoy their childhood and achieve their full academic potential.

How We Support Our Young Carers As an all-through school, we offer a continuous package of support tailored to the unique challenges Young Carers face:

• Identified Lead Support: We have a dedicated Young Carers Lead who acts as a primary point of contact for students and families, offering a listening ear and practical advice. Miss Caroline Smith is our Young Carers lead and she is supported by Mrs Robinson.
• Flexibility and Understanding: We understand that emergencies happen. We offer flexibility regarding homework deadlines, school clubs, and attendance, ensuring that students don't feel overwhelmed by competing demands.
• The "Learning Loft" & Safe Spaces: Our Young Carers have access to our Learning Loft and designated Safe Spaces (Oasis) on both sites. These provide a quiet place to catch up on work, check in with staff, or simply take a moment of respite during the school day.
• Peer Connections: We facilitate opportunities for Young Carers to meet, share experiences, and realise they are not alone in their journey.
• External Partnerships: We work closely with local Young Carers' services and the North Tyneside Council to signpost families to additional respite care, grants, and community support. Rooted in our core values, we treat the information shared by Young Carers with the utmost sensitivity and respect.

We believe that by acknowledging their incredible contribution to their families, we can help them build the resilience and confidence needed to thrive as global citizens.

Are you a Young Carer? If you help look after someone at home, please let your form tutor or a member of the pastoral team know. We are here to help you balance your education with your responsibilities at home.