A report published by MYTIME Young Carers, a national charity that supports young carers, has revealed a significant impact on reading, writing and maths outcomes.
It finds that only 51% of young carers reach age-related expectations in reading compared to 70% of their peers. For writing, the picture is worse with 39% reaching age-related expectations (compared to 63%).
And in maths, 49% of young carers reach age-related expectations compared to 73% of their peers.
The conversation about young carers often focuses on secondary-age children, however research last year by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Young Carers and Young Adult Carers warned that there could be as many as one million young carers aged 5 to 16 in the school system – with thousands aged as young as 7 and even 5.
But figures are hard to come by as there continues to be a huge problem with identification, especially given that many young carers are reluctant to talk about their caring duties for fear of repercussions for their family or do not necessarily see themselves as “young carers”.
The 2021 census identified 127,176 young carers (including 7,389 who were aged 5 to 7), while the 2023 schools census put the figure at 38,983 (for young carers aged 5 to 16).
However, the APPG report last year warned that official figures drastically underestimate the true number of young carers in the UK.
Its report estimates that 10-13% of the pupil population could have caring roles. This would equate to two in every classroom or as many as one million young carers.
The report included evidence showing that around 15,000 young carers, including 3,000 who are aged nine and under, spend at least 50 hours a week on their caring duties.
The findings from the MYTIME Young Carers report, which is based on data collected from seven primary schools, shows that young carers are more likely to be in receipt of free school meals (44%), eligible for the Pupil Premium (53%), and on the SEND register (32%).
Unsurprisingly, absence is a particular problem for young carers. Overall, 27% of young carers are persistently absent from school compared to 12% of their peers.
The report calls for a number of policy changes to support young carers, including automatic eligibility for the Pupil Premium and funding for in-school training programmes to help schools to identify their young carers.
For schools, the report urges a specific focus on young carers at leadership level when discussing data and progress as well as specific interventions to support reading, writing and maths catch-up for young carers.
It also urges “reasonable adjustments” to help young carers cope with homework where applicable as well as work to improve “systems and processes to identify young carers at enrolment and throughout their time in education”.
Krista Cartlidge, CEO of MYTIME Young Carers, said: "The findings of our report underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and systemic changes to ensure young carers receive the support they deserve. Education is a fundamental right, yet many young carers are being denied equitable access and opportunities due to systemic barriers."
- MYTIME Young Carers: Unseen sacrifices: Understanding the education disadvantages faced by young carers, May 2024: www.mytimeyoungcarers.org/mytime-young-carers-report-highlights-persistent-educational-disadvantages-faced-by-young-carers-copy