Filey Junior School receives award for supporting young carers

The school has been awarded the Bronze Award of the School Carers Charter, the first in the Scarborough area to receive the accolade.

Young carers are children and young people under 18 who provide regular, unpaid care for a family member or friend with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or addiction.

They often handle adult responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, medication management, and emotional support, which can negatively impact their education and well-being.

By providing appropriate support for young carers, the school aims to improve both attendance and academic attainment.

In collaboration with Carers Plus Yorkshire, the school plans to further develop the support currently available by introducing lunchtime hubs and drop-in sessions.

These will offer a safe and supportive environment where vulnerable pupils with caring roles can share their thoughts, concerns, and experiences.

Filey Junior School is dedicated to ensuring that young carers have the same educational opportunities as their peers, helping to promote fairness and positive future outcomes for all.

To support this initiative, the school has appointed Mrs Anna Clarke as a Young Carers Lead.

In addition, all staff have participated in a School Carers Charter training evening, and a whole-school assembly has been delivered to raise awareness of young carers and their needs.

Mike Taylor, Headteacher at Filey Junior School, said: "We are extremely proud of Anna and the whole team at Filey Junior School for achieving the Bronze Young Carer Award.

“This is a great achievement and really shows the effort and commitment the school has put into recognising and supporting young carers.

“By taking the time to understand the challenges some pupils face at home, the team has helped create a supportive and inclusive environment where young carers feel recognised and valued.

“It’s a fantastic step and something the whole school community should be proud of.”