Young Carers

Supporting Young Carers at Hunstanton Primary School

At Hunstanton Primary School, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every child is recognised and valued — especially those who have caring responsibilities at home.

What is a Young Carer?

A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who helps care for a family member with a physical illness, disability, mental health condition, or substance misuse issue. This could include caring for a parent, grandparent, or sibling.

Young carers may help with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, managing medications, or providing emotional support. Others may be more indirectly affected — for example, children who have a sibling with complex needs or disabilities. These children may not carry out direct care tasks but can still face emotional stress or miss out on time, attention, or opportunities because of their family circumstances.

At Hunstanton Primary School, we recognise that being a young carer can have an impact on a child’s education, social life, and emotional well-being — and we are here to help.

How We Support Young Carers

We are proud to offer tailored, compassionate support to all our young carers, ensuring they feel understood and have the tools they need to thrive.

A Named Young Carers Lead

We have dedicated staff members who act as the main point of contact for our young carers. They provide one-to-one support, check-ins, and a safe space to talk when needed.

Staff Awareness and Training

All staff receive training on how to identify and support young carers, ensuring no child feels overlooked or misunderstood.

Termly Young Carer Group Meetings

Each term, we host informal group sessions where young carers can meet others in similar situations. These sessions include games, snacks, and time to relax, chat, and build friendships in a supportive space.

Support from the Benjamin Foundation

We are fortunate to be supported by the Benjamin Foundation, who provide our young carers with access to fun, inclusive experiences throughout the year. This includes days out, workshops, and activities designed to give them a break from their responsibilities and time to simply enjoy being children.

A Flexible and Understanding Approach

We take each child’s individual circumstances into account. Whether it’s offering flexibility with homework, time out during the day, or emotional support, we work with young carers to make sure their needs are met at school.

Working with Families and External Services

We maintain strong links with families and external organisations to ensure young carers and their families receive the practical and emotional support they need, both in and out of school.

Let Us Know

If you believe your child may be a young carer — or if you’re aware of a pupil who might benefit from extra support — please reach out to us. All conversations are handled with care and confidentiality.

At Hunstanton Primary School, we are proud to recognise and support our young carers. We believe they deserve not only understanding and kindness, but also the same opportunities, joy, and success as every other child.