Secondary school in Alford awarded for supporting over 70 students who are young carers
A secondary school in Alford has won an award for its work supporting young carers with their education.
John Spendluffe Technology College (JSTC) was recognised by the Young Carers in School programme – run by charities The Children’s Society and Carers Trust.
The programme provides schools across England with step-by-step guidance for staff to gain the practical tools they need to help young carers.
Young carers are children that care for a family member who, due to illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction, can’t cope without their support.
Research by Carers Trust shows 40% of young carers say they don’t get enough support to balance education and caring. Separate research by The Children’s Society shows young carers get an average of one grade lower in GCSE subjects than their peers, and they often have lower levels of self-confidence and mental wellbeing.
JSTC won their first Young Carers in School Award in September 2024 by demonstrating how it supports young carers. This includes running homework clubs, breakfasts, social trips, mentoring and drop-in sessions – all run and organised by the school’s Young Carers Lead, Rachael Hickson.
“Rachael is the schools designated staff member who is responsible for this vulnerable group of students,” a school spokesperson explained. “Originally starting as a volunteer, Rachael gave up her own free time to provide guidance and support, but also raised funds to provide opportunities for the young carers. Since September 2024, she has continued to work with the Young Carers in school award programme and JSTC has now been awarded the Young Carers in School Plus Award, supporting over 70 young carers in school.”
Head teacher Simon Curtis said: "We are incredibly proud of the outstanding work that Rachael Hickson and the team have done to support our Young Carers. Their unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment have made a genuine difference to the lives of so many students, ensuring they feel valued, understood, and empowered to succeed.
"This incredible achievement is reflected in our school being recognised as one of only seven schools in the country to receive this prestigious award. It is a testament to the passion, care, and tireless efforts of Rachael and the team, whose work embodies the very best of our inclusive and supportive school community."
Rachael added: “I’m so proud of all our amazing young carers and what a privilege it is to support them. I had a mission from the day I started my role; to reduce the stigma in young people eyes that is associated with caring for a parent or loved one that has a disability or illness. This was something our young carers wanted to see happen along with raising more awareness in school. We are so lucky to have the amazing students and staff at JSTC who have since engaged with PHSE lessons and embraced our young carers through all the activities and events held in school.”
She added: “I am hugely grateful to all our dedicated staff team and Governing board; this award would not have been achievable without their support.”
Statutory guidance makes clear that all school staff should be particularly alert to the potential need for early help for young carers. The Young Carers in School programme is a way of helping schools address this.
Vicky Morgan, Carers Trust’s Head of Young Carers at Young Adult Carers, said: “We’re delighted to present the Young Carers in Schools award to John Spendluffe. Figures show there are two young carers in every classroom, but balancing learning with looking after family members can be tough without help. By identifying young carers and putting support in place, schools and teachers can make a huge difference to their wellbeing and education. That’s why the brilliant work done by staff at John Spendluffe is so vital and why this award is so richly deserved.”
Lisa Witherden, Head of National Programmes at The Children’s Society added: "Recent figures from the school census highlight that nearly 80% of schools reported they had zero young carers in their student population. We know this simply isn't true and that young carers are a hidden group of children and young people who need support to achieve the same level of success as their peers at school. We're absolutely thrilled that John Spendluffe has achieved the Young Carers in Schools award, demonstrating their commitment to identifying these hidden children and young people and ensuring they get the vital support they need to thrive in education and in life beyond school."
The Young Carers in School programme is open to all schools in England. To sign up, visit www.youngcarersinschools.com