Schools working together for Young Carers Action Day

This annual day, organised by the Carers Trust charity, is designed to raise awareness of young carers and what they do. 
These children often balance day-to-day caring at home with the demands of school.
Noremarsh and the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy (RWBA), which are both part of the Ascend Learning Trust, offer ongoing emotional support for young carers along with extra help with homework and a chance to attend fun and supportive events for respite.
As both schools are in the same Academy Trust, any young carer transitioning at the end of year 6 from Noremarsh to RWBA will continue to be supported on their educational journey. 
The Trust looks after these young people right from the point they choose to be identified as a carer to the time they leave education with Ascend.
Hilary MacMeekin, Headteacher at Noremarsh, said: “We want to give every child the very best opportunities whatever their circumstances and that means supporting those young carers in our school daily.
“Every child is important to us, so it’s always vital for us to be told if a child is a young carer so we can offer them extra help at the times that they may need it.”
Kerry Heaphy, Assistant Headteacher at RWBA, said: “We are incredibly proud of the outstanding commitment everyone makes to supporting our young carers.
“Their dedication, resilience and kindness are recognised throughout our school community—and we are honoured to have received a Young Carers Award in recognition of the high-quality provision we offer.
“We are also incredibly proud of our young carers and the strength they show every day. At RWBA, we remain committed to providing an environment where they can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.”
People who believe their child may be a young carer, or who would like more information about the support offered, can contact either Noremarsh or RWBA. 
For Noremarsh, they can contact Mrs Beard:  [email protected]
For RWBA, they can contact Mrs Drummond: [email protected]
A young carer is defined as a young person aged 5-16 who looks after someone who couldn’t manage without their help. This could mean looking after a parent, brother or sister, grandparent or family friend who has a disability, long term illness, or drug and alcohol related issues.
If people think they have a Young Carer in their household, the school can refer them to Wiltshire Council’s Safeguarding and Support Team who will carry out an assessment of the young person’s needs. 
An assessment involves an adult who works for the council gets to know the young person and the things they are dealing with to see if they need some help.
Parents and carers can also make a direct referral for their young carer through MASH by calling 03004560108 or [email protected]
More information about support for Young Carers can be found at www.carersupportwiltshire.co.uk/young-carers
Carer Support Wiltshire also provide support for adult carers. More information can be found at www.carersupportwiltshire.co.uk. People can register with them via the website or contact on 0800 181 4118.
More information on the Carer Trust Charity can be found at carers.org
 

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