Dear Parents and Carers,
Young Carers
At Leigh Academy Bexley, we recognise that some students take on additional responsibilities at home. These students are known as young carers: children or young people under 18 who help care for a family member or close friend with a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition, or substance misuse issue.
Young carers may be supporting with household tasks, caring for siblings, or providing emotional support. While many show great resilience, these responsibilities can sometimes affect wellbeing, learning, or participation in academy life.
How we support young carers – We are committed to identifying and supporting young carers through:
- Weekly Young Carers drop-in sessions from Module 3
- Signposting to Imago Young Carers and other local services
- Opportunities for students to share their voice and help shape the support they receive
Who to contact – Our Young Carers Lead is Ms Hull, who coordinates support for young carers. She can be contacted at sherene.hull@bexley.latrust.org.uk.
If you believe your child may be a young carer, we encourage you to let us know by completing a short, confidential Google Form. Based on your responses, we may be able to make a referral to Imago Young Carers Services, ensuring your child receives the right support at the right time.
Please be assured that all information is handled sensitively and confidentially, and shared only on a need-to-know basis.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours faithfully,
Sherene Hull | Deputy Head of Petworth College
