The Young Carers Team

Mrs. C Webb
Assistant Headteacher of Safeguarding, SEND, and Pastoral Provision
Young Carers’ Senior Leadership Team Lead
Mrs. M Smith
School Social Worker and Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Young Carers’ School Operational Lead
Miss C Kendrick
JHNCC Student Service Coordinator – KS4 Attendance Team
Young Carers School Lead

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

Identifying and Supporting Young Carers at John Henry Newman Catholic College

At John Henry Newman Catholic College, we are committed to providing support for all students to ensure they have a positive school experience, are happy, and can achieve their full potential. We understand that for some students, challenges outside of school, such as caring for a family member or friend who is ill, disabled, or struggling with mental health or addiction, can have a significant impact.

We believe that in every class, there may be as many as two pupils who act as young carers. These students take on responsibilities that go beyond the usual demands of school life.

What is a Young Carer?

Young carers are students who provide support to a family member or friend with a long-term illness, disability, mental health problem, or addiction. Some examples of how students may support their loved ones include:

  • Providing physical support (e.g., helping with mobility or household tasks like shopping or cooking)
  • Assisting with personal care tasks (e.g., helping a parent dress or bathe)
  • Offering emotional support (e.g., comforting a sibling with autism or supporting a parent with depression)

The amount of support young carers provide can vary, but it can have a noticeable impact on their well-being and ability to engage fully in school life.

Our Commitment to Young Carers

We are dedicated to meeting the needs of young carers, ensuring they can attend:

  • A designated Young Carers’ School Lead to support students and their families. This person is available for confidential support and guidance.
  • Strict confidentiality: We only share information with professionals and agencies on a need-to-know basis.
  • Use of Pupil Premium funding to address any barriers to learning faced by eligible young carers.
  • Strong partnerships with local services, including the school nurse and community-based young carers’ services.

Support for Young Carers in Solihull and Birmingham

We recognize that support is needed both within and outside of school. Below are some of the key local services:

You can also reach out to us directly at youngcarers@jhncc.org.

How You Can Help

If you believe your child might be a young carer or if you’d like to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team. Even if you feel your family is managing well, it’s helpful for us to be aware of potential young carers in case their situation changes.

Please reach out to:

We are here to ensure that young carers receive the support they need, both now and in the future.

Additional Resources

What is a Young Carer?

A Young Carer is someone under the age of 18 who looks after a family member or friend with an illness, disability, mental health condition, or addiction. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Practical tasks: Cooking, cleaning, or helping with household chores
  • Personal care: Assisting with bathing, dressing, or personal hygiene
  • Emotional support: Being a source of comfort to a sibling or parent
  • Managing household duties: Taking on financial responsibilities or caring for younger siblings

These responsibilities can place a significant strain on a young carer’s ability to balance their school Henry Newman Supports Young Carers**

At our school, we offer:

  • Support from the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Team
  • A dedicated space for young carers to talk and seek assistance
  • Opportunities for activities and days out like theatre trips and visits to Drayton Manor Park to offer a break from their caring responsibilities

Who to Contact

If you think your child may be a Young Carer, please contact:

For additional support, you can also reach out to:

We are here to help and ensure that all young carers receive the care and attention they need to thrive.