A PRIMARY school has been hailed for its efforts to help young carers – those who look after their parents or other adults at home.
Bowes Hutchinson’s Primary School has been awarded a charter from The Bridge Young Carers Service, which supports pupils across County Durham whose childhood is different from most other young people.
Bowes teacher Vicky Pollard said the school runs a group for young carers so they can enjoy activities and games that they might otherwise struggle to do at home.
Ms Pollard, who leads the group with colleague Dot Hedley, added: “It’s something we are passionate about – they do arts and crafts, play games and chat. They don’t get much time at home. It’s good that they can be with other young carers and realise that they are not on their own – they can help each other.”
The school also helps educate other children by explaining about young carers during assemblies.
Vicky Coveney-Robinson, from The Bridge Young Carers Service, which supports young carers and their families across County Durham, visited the school last week. She praised the efforts being made.
She said: “The school is really helping promote young carers. There are often children who don’t realise they are young carers.”
