Young Carers
At Sheldon School, we are passionate about ensuring that young carers feel supported and able to thrive, both academically and personally.
What is a Young Carer?
A young carer is a young person aged 5-18 who looks after someone who would not be able to manage without their help and support. This could mean caring for a parent, sibling, grandparent or family friend who has a disability, chronic or terminal illness, mental health condition or addiction. Roles that may be fulfilled include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Physical and personal care, such as helping someone out of bed and/or assisting with getting dressed
- Cooking, cleaning and/or shopping
- Offering emotional support
- Helping with medication and/or medical appointments
As many as one in five young people may be a young carer, and fulfilling this role on a day-to-day basis can impact a young person’s behaviour, academic engagement, friendships and wellbeing.
Support for Young Carers at Sheldon School
At Sheldon School, we offer the following support for our young carers:
Annual Assembly: Each academic year, the young carers team delivers an assembly to raise awareness of young carers.
Termly Young Carers Breakfast: Young Carers are invited to attend a termly breakfast. This provides an opportunity for students to spend time with other young carers at Sheldon School. When possible, representatives from Young Carers and Youth Action Wiltshire will attend, giving students the chance to check-in with them and hear about upcoming events and activities.
Young Carers Drop-in Club: Young carers are welcome to attend a lunchtime drop-in club specifically for them. This offers an opportunity to develop friendships with other young carers while taking part in games and/or craft activities. The club takes place every Tuesday, 12:25 until 13:15 in P5. Representatives from Young Carers and Youth Action Wiltshire attend the club regularly, giving students another opportunity to check-in with them. Students are welcome to bring a friend to the club.
Homework Support: We recognise young carers may find it difficult to complete homework tasks at home due to their responsibilities. Young carers are therefore welcome to complete homework during Tuesday tutor time sessions, from 08:30 until 08:55 in C2. They are also welcome to attend homework club, which runs every lunchtime in N4 (in Learning Support).
Pupil Profiles: As it is important for teachers to be aware of a student’s role as a young carer, personalised profiles are written to share key information and specific strategies and/or adjustments that should be implemented.
Pastoral Check Ins: Young carers are prioritised for tutor and pastoral check-ins throughout the year to ensure that they feel listened to and supported. When needed, contact home during the school day can also be facilitated in pastoral offices for each year group.
Young Carer Lead and Champion
Miss Owen is our Young Carer Leadership Lead, and Mrs Colley is our Young Carers Champion. Please email youngcarers@sheldonschool.co.uk to make contact.
Referral Process
If you believe that your child is a young carer but they are not yet registered as one, please click here to complete a form. After completing the form, you will be contacted by a member of the pastoral team to discuss a referral.
You can also self-refer to young carers by contacting 0300 456 0108 or by emailing Integratedfrontdoor@wiltshire.gov.uk.
Once a referral has been submitted, it will be allocated to a member of the Wiltshire Council Team, who will contact you to arrange a visit and complete a holistic assessment. This will explore what support can be offered to your family.
If you have any questions or require further information about young carers, please contact youngcarers@sheldonschool.co.uk.
Useful Links for Local Young Carer Support
The following links provide valuable information about young carers in Wiltshire.
Young carers - Wiltshire Council – Information on the young carers assessment with IFD, as well as information about Youth Action Wiltshire and the support they offer.
Young Carer Voice - Wiltshire Council – Information about the Young Carers Council and the Young Carer Magazine.
Youth Action Wiltshire | Wiltshire Young Carers Service – Commissioned by Wiltshire Council to provide the Young Carers Service, Youth Action Wiltshire have young carer support workers for each Wiltshire region and offer fun breaks with other young carers. Contact them at wiltshireyoungcarers@youthactionwiltshire.org.
Young Adult Carers - Carers Together Wiltshire – Support for young adult carers (over 16s), including help with college and transition.
Young Carers Development Trust | YCDT – A registered charity supporting young carers in Years 9–11 who provide a significant level of care. They offer financial support, educational guidance and mentoring during key exam years.
Young Carers - Wiltshire Carers – Forward carers provide a website for Wiltshire's digital offer for unpaid carers of all ages. They can also provide young carers with an ID card. To sign up for a Young Carers ID Card click here.