Young Carers – Crofton Hammond Junior School

At Crofton Hammond Junior School we are aware that some of our pupils are young carers. A young carer is someone under 18 who is caring unpaid for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems. They often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.

Crofton Hammond Junior School endeavours to identify and offer the support that young carers need. Miss Poole (ELSA) is the school’s Young Carer lead.

Calm Situations

To support young carers (YC) in our school community we offer a weekly club named by the children as ‘Calm Situations’.

Miss Poole leads the groups

Year 3 meet: Monday

Year 4 meet: Tuesday

Year 5 meet: Wednesday

Year 6 meet: Thursday

On a Monday lunchtime all children can meet with Miss Layton for crafting in the ELSA room.

Miss Poole’s groups provides children with adult time in a small, dedicated group and is an opportunity for the children to share their experiences and realise that there are other children in situations similar to them. The group complete games, crafts and activities whilst talking.

Children are encouraged to look at the notice board outside the Group room for information and upcoming events and support information. If they need an additional ‘check ins’ with Miss Poole they can pop a slip in the post box.

Sunrise and Sunset Club

On a Friday morning (from 8.30) and evening (until 3.40) a quiet work space (Computing Room) is available for children to complete homework . We know how tricky this can be for some children in busy homes.

Mrs Mansfield also runs homework lunchtime clubs throughout the week.

In addition children can have ELSA support, YC drop in sessions and families can seek support from our Family Liaison Officer Lisa Noice.

If you think your child is a young carer and would like any other information or support around these issues, please contact Miss Millington or Miss Poole. We respect the privacy of our young carers so will only share information about them with people who need to know so that they can offer help.