Sheldon School has been formally recognised for its work supporting pupils with caring responsibilities after achieving the Young Carers in Schools (YCiS) Award.

The award celebrates the school’s proactive and compassionate approach to ensuring young carers are identified early and supported effectively throughout their education.

Young carers are children and young people under the age of 18 who regularly provide care or practical support to a family member who is unable to cope independently due to illness, disability, mental health needs or substance misuse.

Managing these responsibilities alongside school life can place additional pressure on young people, impacting attendance, emotional health and engagement with learning. Many young carers do not recognise themselves as carers and can remain unnoticed without targeted support.

The Young Carers in Schools programme, delivered by Carers Trust in partnership with The Children’s Society, supports schools to develop effective whole-school systems that recognise young carers and respond to their needs.

Over the past year, Sheldon School has delivered a coordinated programme of awareness raising and support, with support and guidance from the Wiltshire Council Voice and Participation Team.

The work has included:

• A dedicated assembly for each year group on understanding the experiences of young carers helping reduce stigma and strengthen peer awareness
• Staff taking part in specialist training provided by two Young Carer Ambassadors with the Voice and Participation Team from Wiltshire Council.
• Working closely with Young Carer Assessors at Wiltshire Council, Youth Action Wiltshire, and Carers Together so young carers and their families could benefit from wider community support and early help
• Creating a Young Carers website to provide families with clear information and guidance,
• A Young Carers Standard Operating Procedure ensures a consistent approach to identification and follow up
• A weekly Young Carers Group, giving pupils a safe space to connect with staff and peers
• A termly Young Carers Breakfast Club to help young carers build friendships and receive pastoral support in an informal setting.

To mark the achievement of the award, Sheldon School had a celebration event to bring together pupils, staff and Wiltshire Council representatives.

Headteacher Peter Lynch said: “We are incredibly proud to receive the Young Carers in Schools Award, as it recognises our commitment to ensuring that every young carer feels seen, supported and valued. Young carers balance so much both in and outside of school, and we are glad that we can play our part in supporting them and their families. This award is a testament to our whole-school approach, showing that Sheldon is a place where young carers can flourish.”

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “It’s clear Sheldon School has taken some great actions to champion and support its young carers, creating a place where they are understood, valued, and encouraged to thrive. We are delighted to stand alongside you in this work, and we’ll support the school as it continues to make such a positive difference to these remarkable young people.”