At Whipton Barton Federation, we are committed to ensuring that brilliance flourishes for every learner. We recognise that some pupils carry extraordinary responsibilities at home, supporting a parent, sibling, or family member with a disability, illness, mental health needs, or substance misuse. These pupils are known as young carers.

Being a young carer can be a source of pride and maturity, but it can also affect attendance, wellbeing, emotional regulation, punctuality, learning, and participation. At Whipton Barton Federation, we strongly believe in equal rights and opportunities for all children to thrive and become successful, confident citizens.

To support young carers, we have a dedicated team you can contact if you believe your child may be a young carer or if you would like more information. Our Devon Young Carers Champion, Chelsea Browning, leads this work and can be reached via admin@whiptonbarton.org. We are here to listen, support, and help every young carer reach their full potential.

Young Carers in Devon – Key Facts

In Devon, thousands of young people take on significant responsibilities at home. Many care for a parent or sibling, providing both emotional support and practical help, such as cooking, cleaning, or managing household tasks.

While over 2,500 young carers are registered with Devon services, research shows that many more remain unidentified, quietly balancing caring responsibilities alongside school, friendships, and other activities.

Some key facts about young carers in Devon:

• 55 % care for a parent, and 25 % care for a sibling.
• 57 % provide emotional support to family members.
• 78 % carry out practical tasks at home.
• Many young carers are not yet known to schools or services, highlighting the importance of awareness and early support.

Understanding these responsibilities helps us to identify, support, and celebrate the contributions of young carers, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive.

 

Identification of Young Carers

Young carers are not always immediately visible, and we recognise the importance of noticing the signs early. Identification may happen through:

• Conversations with parents and carers
• Listening to pupil voice in PSHE and pastoral discussions
• Observing patterns in behaviour, attendance, or punctuality
• Considering emotional signs such as tiredness, anxiety, withdrawal, or irregular engagement
• Information from Devon Young Carers, Early Help services, health or social care professionals
• Transition documents received from nurseries, primary, or secondary schools

By being attentive to these indicators, we aim to recognise, support, and empower every young carer in our school community.

 

Devon Young Carers Support

Devon County Council works with Devon Carers to assess and support the needs of young carers aged up to 18 across the county. Referrals can be made directly by families or, with consent, by another professional on behalf of a young person and their family.

Once a referral is made, Devon Carers will carry out an assessment of the young carer’s needs and the support available. The aim is to ensure that young carers can enjoy the same life opportunities as their peers, feel supported at school or college, maintain good physical and emotional health, reach their potential in education and training, have their voices heard, and be prepared for adulthood and independence.

You can find more information and make a referral via:

• Devon County Council – Young Carers
• Devon Carers – Young Carers Registration Form
• Telephone: 03456 434 435
• Westbank Young Carers Information

A copy of the referral form can be found in the link above. Should you require support with completing the referral forms, please contact Chelsea Browning via admin@whiptonbarton.org.