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All schools 'should be required to appoint a young carers lead', says charity

The government is being called on to make it a requirement for all schools to appoint a young carers lead to better coordinate their support.
Young carers stuggle to balance education and caring responsibilities, Carers Trust says. Picture: Carers Trust
Young carers stuggle to balance education and caring responsibilities, Carers Trust says. Picture: Carers Trust

The recommendation is being made by the Carers Trust as it looks to introduce a young carers covenant across schools, businesses, and other organisations. Those that sign up would agree to support young carers.

School young carer leads would likely be a staff member who is responsible for coordinating support.

The charity wants the appointment of leads to also be a requirement for colleges and universities. 

According to the charity there are two young carers in every classroom on average, but two in five say they do not get enough support to balance their education and caring responsibilities. 

Pledges through the young carers covenant include identifying young carers needs “at the earliest opportunity”, to ensure they “can access and succeed” with opportunities in employment and training, and “are able to thrive in education”.

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