Young Carers

At The Pingle Academy, we value the important role that young carers play within their family. A Young Carer is a person under 18, who lives and cares for a family member who may haver a physical or mental illness, or addiction. This additional role can affect a young person’s wellbeing, education and social life.  The Carers Trust and Children’s society charities estimate there are 5-10% of Young Carers per school. This is 2-3 students in every class. 
In December 2025 we proudly achieved The Young Carers in Schools Award run by the Children’s Society and Carers Trust recognising our efforts in identifying and supporting young carers and their families. 

Getting Support

At The Pingle Academy we want every young carer to feel valued, supported and able to achieve their full potential.

If you think your child may be a Young Carer, or if you are a young person who looks after someone at home, please contact Lisa Cooke, Young Carers Lead on lcooke.tpa@affinitylp.co.uk or drop into the Well-being hub at break or lunchtime for a discussion.

In School Support

Young carers at The Pingle Academy receive a range of support tailored to their specific need which may include:

• Regular well-being checks in with our young carers lead.
• Drop-in Support in the Well-being Hub at break or lunchtime.
• Calm Club Yoga and Mindfulness sessions in form time.
• Access to our Young Carers Peer Support Group.
• Academic Interventions.
• Priority Careers support and guidance.
• Signposting to external agencies where appropriate.

Young Carers Peer Support Group   

Upper and lower school groups meet weekly, and together get involved in projects of their choice, following on from the young carers’ student voice surveys. We have fundraised for charities through raffles and cake sales, had a Christmas cinema trip and visited Eton Park primary school to educate younger students on Young Carers. We are extremely proud of how the Young Carers represented our school and believe that they learnt valuable skills to help them in the future.

Young Carers Voice Trip

In July 2026, some of our young carers attended a networking event run by the Derbyshire All Age Carers Service, to enhance and refine the Derbyshire offer for young carers. This event provided the opportunity for Young Carers voices to be heard by Jonathan Davies, MP and local young carer services.  By understanding the experiences of young carers, services can improve their support offer locally for young carers and their families.  This is just one of the many ways that our students represent our academy within the wider community. 

Useful Links

Derbyshire Young Carers - https://derbyshirecarers.co.uk/young-carers-service

The Mix - https://www.themix.org.uk/

NHS Young Carers Website - https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/support-and-benefits-for-carers/help-for-young-carers/

Young Carers Policy