An academy has said it is the 'first school in the borough' to be given an award for its work making sure young carers do not miss out on an education.
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy has been given a Bronze award from the Young Carers in Schools programme.
Principal Claire Bailey said: “We are delighted to be the first school in Blackburn with Darwen to achieve the award and demonstrates the level of support we give to young carers at DACA.”
Chief executive at Aldridge Education, Jane Fletcher, added: “The award is reflective of the Trust’s mission to level up the playing field and ensure no one is left behind.
"I would like to congratulate everyone at DACA for putting our young carers at the forefront of their work.”
Young carers are responsible for emotional, practical or physical care for a parent, sibling or another family member who has a physical disability, mental health issue or substance misuse issue.
The 2011 Census statistics revealed there are just over 166,000 young carers in England, but research reveals this is just the tip of the iceberg.
The true figure could be closer to 800,000 young carers in England, equivalent to one in five secondary aged school children many of whom are unrecognised and unsupported.
Research carried out by Carers Trust and The Children's Society shows that, on average, young carers miss or cut short 48 school days a year and often have lower levels of self-confidence, mental wellbeing and significantly lower educational attainment at GCSE level, because of their caring role.
Share