Young Carers

Chase High School is committed to providing for young carers and their families.
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We strive to address the requirements of pupils, who are young carers, providing them with the opportunity to completely enjoy their education as young people, raise their attendance, and aspire to realise their full potential.

Chase High School successfully engages with pertinent external agencies and has an efficient system for identifying and referring pupils. This system includes referring pupils to Young Carer agencies that provide information to important staff members, who will work with young carers and their families. In order to support pupils and their families, Chase High School only shares information with professionals and organisations when it is necessary.

Along with our skilled pastoral colleagues, we have specific staff members, who assist our young carers and their families. They are accessible to families and pupils, who need assistance.

Chase High School's main goal is to provide our young carers and their families with the best opportunity for success in the future.

A young carer is someone under 18 years of age, who is helping to look after someone at home.

They may be looking after a parent, grandparent, sibling or other relative, and the person, who they look after, may have one or more of the following:

  • A physical or mental disability (including sensory disability);
  • A learning disability;
  • Mental health issues;
  • A chronic or terminal illness;
  • A substance misuse problem.

A young carer, typically, takes on further responsibilities, that are extra to those appropriate for their age and ability.

  • Helping with such tasks as washing, toileting, dressing, feeding, helping with mobility, administering medication and ensuring safety;
  • Helping with domestic tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, paying bills and childcare;
  • Translating or interpreting for someone at home;
  • Providing emotional support;
  • Supporting other members of their family.

We acknowledge that there will be young carers amongst our pupil population; their welfare is of paramount importance and they must be cared for and supported in the school community.

Being a young carer takes up a lot of time and may result in having less time to spend with friends and do certain things that other young people are able to do.

It can also result in the young person experiencing problems in areas such as:

  • Punctuality and absence;
  • Concentration, leading to anxiety and worry;
  • Tiredness;
  • Lack of time and/or suitable environment for homework and revision;
  • Poor attainment and progress;
  • Lack of time for extra-curricular activities;
  • Lack of financial support for school trips and other events;
  • Feelings of loneliness and of being unwanted or cared for.

​It is important to remember that Chase High School has processes to support our young carers.

The young carers need to be aware that they have a safe place to go where support is given, which encourages them to achieve their potential.

Key workers offer free personalised support to young carers and their families that will be developed with the young carer around their need for help and the caring they do.

Chase High School works with Carers First Southend, a registered charity that works directly with, and for carers, providing personalised information and tailored support in the way that suits them, helping them find balance, and to live their lives to the fullest - today, and for years to come.

The charity supports young carers online, on the phone, or face-to-face in local communities in order to understand the specific needs of each young carer.

If you are a young carer, who lives in Southend-on-Sea, there is a young carer service available.

The charity's young carer support aims to support young people aged between five and 18, who are in a caring role, by offering them support and the opportunity to have a break from their caring role and meet others who are in a similar situation.

To access current support, you can email southendyc@carersfirst.org.uk.

At Chase High School, there are two designated leads for Young Carers:

  • Mr. A. Brien - Senior Leader responsible for the oversight of the Young Carer provision: ashley.brien@chasehigh.org.
  • Mrs. T. Wood - Designated Person for Young Carers: tracey.wood@chasehigh.org. 

To be assessed as a Young Carer, please access this link: Southend-on-Sea City Council: Get a Carer Assessment.

The Chase High School Young Carer Policy is available via this link.