Schools need training to identify and support young carers

A new report has been released which shines a light on the challenges young carers face in England’s education system, focusing on their disproportionately high rates of suspensions, exclusions, and referrals to Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) compared with non-caring peers. 

The report, written by charity MYTIME’s Level Up Academy Lead Shakira Bryan, was presented at the Houses of Parliament and was hosted by Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes, who has spoken openly about his own childhood experiences as a young carer.

Combining national data with lived experiences and case studies, this new report highlights systemic barriers that drive disengagement and calls for more inclusive, responsive approaches in schools and policy.

The event was attended by a diverse audience of researchers, educators, representatives from charities, and policymakers including representatives from Ofsted as well as Members of Parliament and of the House of Lords.

In opening remarks, Tom Hayes MP reflected on his personal experience of care, the importance of support systems for young carers, and the significance of bringing the report’s findings to light.

Tom Hayes MP had this to say about the event: “As someone who grew up caring for my disabled parents, I know how easy it is for young carers to feel overlooked. That’s why MYTIME’s work matters so profoundly — and why it meant so much to welcome them, and some of the young carers they support, to Parliament. Their latest report lays bare the current support gap, and why we need urgent access to ensure young carers are supported. It means the world to be able to support them, both as an MP and as someone who’s been in their shoes.”

The report found that young carers in secondary school are more than twice as likely to be suspended as their non-caring peers, and across all schools, the rate of permanent exclusions for young carers is more than double that of non-declared pupils (0.25 compared to 0.11). This means young carers are more than twice as likely to be permanently excluded. It also shows that almost half of young carers are persistently absent from secondary school.
 
The report calls for schools to implement training to properly identify and support young carers; raise awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding caring responsibilities; adopt flexible learning provisions to account for disruptions; and appoint a Young Carer Champion in every educational setting.