Young Carers in Education
Young carers are defined as children and young people, who have a caring role for a member of their family (child or adult). A young carers health, development and education could be affected due to that caring role.
Schools play an important role by ensuring young carers in their school receive personal, emotional and educational support whilst carrying out their caring responsibilities.
Digital Awareness Pack
On 29 January 2024, the Department attended the Launch of the Young Carers in Education Digital Awareness Pack. The pack includes a poster designed by young carers. The poster aims to is to help raise awareness and signpost young carers to the support services available thought Action for Children and Barnardo’s NI.
Following the launch, the Department issued the Pack to all schools and Education Otherwise than at School (EOTAS) settings. The letter provides useful links including to updated Supporting Carers in Schools Guidance provided by the Education Authority and the Trusts
Guidance has been issued about supporting young carers, and can be found at:
Supporting Young Carers in School Guidance
The Education Authority delivers on this policy through their Education Welfare Service, alongside Action for Children and Barnardo’s NI.
Further details can be found at: Supporting Young Carers | Education Authority Northern Ireland
For more information please contact the Additional Educational Needs Team on additonaleducationalneedsteam@education-ni.gov.uk