Young carers need a dedicated point of contact in schools
Chris Vince (Credit: Parliament UK)
4 min read
I spent the first 15 years of my working life as a secondary school maths teacher.
As I recalled in my maiden speech, a boy in my form was forever late meeting homework deadlines. He often didn’t get his homework planner signed. This led to him receiving a number of detentions from myself and other teachers.
On parents’ evening, the student arrived with his parents, who were severely physically disabled. To my shame, I had no idea until that point: he and his older sister were young carers.
Getting a good education is impossible. I’m a teenager and spend most of my time making sure my mum is well, safe and happy. I’ve got no time to think about myself
Once I was aware he was a young carer, I could provide more support for him. We had a special arrangement where his older sister would sign his homework planner, for instance. His other teachers became aware of issues that meant he might not have got his homework in on time.
Before my election in July, I worked for a wonderful charity in Harlow and across Essex called Action for Family Carers, which provides respite care and in-school support for children and young people who care for family members and loved ones with physical and mental disabilities.
Young carers and young adult carers provide a hugely important role not only to their families but also to their communities – giving to the NHS in an invaluable way.
However, too often they don’t get the recognition they deserve. Their ‘normal’ is something most can’t understand unless they’ve lived it. And the reality is, unless we make an effort to listen, their challenges go unheard.
I feel that when I get home, I can’t revise for my mocks or anything due to looking after my brother as my parents are at work
This is why one of my first tasks in Westminster was to re-establish and become the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. I hope I can bring my experiences at Action for Family Carers and previously as a teacher into this new role.
Each time we meet, one thing is crystal clear: many carers don’t even know they are carers. They’ve gone unnoticed until the strain has already impacted their lives – often too late for the support they desperately need.
Identifying young carers and young adult carers is shockingly simple, yet it’s something we consistently overlook. The responsibility falls on those in positions of authority to recognise and act. As a former teacher, I know all too well how easily these young people can slip through the cracks, and I’m committed to changing that. We need targeted training for educators to better identify these carers and equip them with the tools to help make their lives more manageable.
To support young carers, there should be a dedicated point of contact in education – a trusted person in authority who students can approach to discuss any caring responsibilities that might affect their studies. Whether it’s missing a deadline or arriving late to class, having one person to communicate with ensures the right people are informed and the student’s needs are met. This simple addition could make a world of difference. Although there are some great examples of schools that do this, it is not universal.
Transitional periods, especially from primary to secondary school, and on to college or university, are tough for everyone – but even more so for young carers without support. As highlighted by young carers at the APPG, the leap to university feels unattainable due to a lack of provisions. Education should be a place of hope and opportunity for all, regardless of background or circumstance. Resources must be put in place for those facing disadvantages, ensuring these challenges don’t become insurmountable barriers.
It’s time for a shift. This community deserves to be seen and supported.
Chris Vince, Labour (Co-op) MP for Harlow
