Young carers are hidden heroes, providing unpaid support for their loved ones often to the detriment of their wellbeing and their education.

It is thought there could be up to one million children aged 5-18 who have caring responsibilities, but many families are reluctant to share their family situation, or seek help.

Recent changes to the OFSTED framework means that schools now have to report the number of young carers they support, but without someone taking responsibility for their welfare and their progress the outcomes for those children will not change.  

As the Government looks to rethink education and inclusion, now is the time to make sure Young Carers are not forgotten. A named Young Carer's Champion, sitting as part of a safeguarding team, would coordinate young carer identification and lead on delivering a full package of support for these children once they are identified and ensure that their progress is monitored and their voice is heard.

With the Education for All Bill being debated in the coming months, now is the time to champion these children, and to give them a stronger voice.

We therefore call on the Government to introduce legislation that would require every school in England to have a Young Carers’ Champion to lead the school's strategic approaches to identifying and supporting young carers.