A secondary school in Leyburn has been recognised for its commitment to supporting pupils with caring responsibilities at home.
Wensleydale School has been awarded the Schools Carers Charter Bronze Award by Carers Plus Yorkshire, highlighting its work to both support identified young carers and proactively find others who may need help.
The school has currently identified nine students as young carers, with a further group of around 20 pupils who may also have caring responsibilities and will be offered additional support.
Young carers can face a range of challenges alongside their education, including emotional pressures, disrupted routines, interrupted sleep and reduced time for schoolwork, as well as fewer opportunities to socialise.
To achieve the award, the school has introduced a number of initiatives, including appointing a dedicated Young Carers Champion. Mrs McDougall, who has taken on the role, has received specialist training to support students more effectively.
Wensleydale has also worked closely with Carers Plus Yorkshire to raise awareness through assemblies, provide information for pupils and improve staff understanding of how best to support young carers.
Further developments are already planned, including group sessions and a lunchtime hub to give students a safe space to talk and access peer support.
The school is also working with families and external organisations to ensure young carers receive help both in and out of school, with regular check-ins for those who need additional support.
Assistant headteacher Richard Lundie said the award was a proud moment for the school.
He said: “We are very happy to be the first secondary school in Hambleton and Richmondshire to gain this recognition. It is all part of what we do at Wensleydale to try and support students, whatever their needs, so they can be successful and happy at school.”
It is estimated that around one million young people under the age of 18 across the UK have caring responsibilities, which can have a significant impact on their wellbeing and education.
Wensleydale School is now working towards the Silver Award, with further initiatives already underway, including a young carers pass, awareness sessions and expanded support provision.
Parents who believe their child may be a young carer are encouraged to contact at cheryl.mcdougall@wensleydaleschool.net for further information and support.
