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"Every school will have young carers... and just one individual teacher or support worker being involved can make a huge difference"
 
For many children with caring responsibilities, school is the one place that can offer them normality.
 
Teachers, more than many other professionals, have day-to-day contact with young carers...Although, understandably teachers see themselves primarily as educators, there are a number of ways in which they can support young carers without compromising this role.
 
More importantly, the support and understanding given by teachers will help young carers reach their full educational potential.

(cited in Making It Work: Good practice with young carers and their families, The Children's Society and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, 2002, 67)
Signs that may indicate that a child is caring for someone at home:
 
Arriving late at school
 
Unable to complete homework ON TIME
 
Difficulty concentrating in class
 
Behavioural difficulties
 
Missing school
 
Tired
 
Withdrawn, over-sensitive
 
Clothing or appearance may not be clean or tidy
 
LOW self-esteem
 
Under-achieving
 
Ill health (eg. stress-related illnesses, back problems from lifting, anxiety, depression)
 
Difficulties in mixing with peers and joining in after-school activities and in attending school trips (eg. residential)
 
Being Bullied
 
Some Parents are unable to have contact with school - missing parent evenings, for example
 
Financial difficulties