Recognising and strengthening good practice in supporting Young Carers.
The Derbyshire Young Carers in Schools Quality Mark supports schools to develop and embed effective approaches to identifying and supporting young carers across the whole school community.
Working alongside the Education Liaison role, schools are supported through a clear, practical and collaborative process that helps build on existing strengths while developing greater confidence and consistency in practice.
The Quality Mark is not about creating additional workload or introducing standalone initiatives. Instead, it helps schools strengthen and connect the support already taking place across safeguarding, pastoral care, attendance, wellbeing and inclusion.
The Quality Mark helps schools to:
- Improve identification of hidden Young Carers
- Develop clear and consistent support pathways
- Strengthen staff awareness and confidence
- Embed young carers within whole-school practice
- Enhance pupil wellbeing, belonging and participation
- Support attendance, engagement and future aspirations
- Strengthen partnership working with families and professionals
- Demonstrate commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and equality
A supportive whole-school approach
The Quality Mark recognises that Young Carers can be present in any school and that many remain unidentified.
By developing a whole-school approach, education settings can help ensure Young Carers are:
Seen through earlier identification
Supported through understanding and practical adjustments
Succeeding through improved engagement, wellbeing and opportunity
This work aligns closely with the Right to Dream campaign, which promotes the belief that no child’s future should be limited by the caring responsibilities they carry.
What support is included?
Schools working towards the Quality Mark can access support including:
- Guidance from the Education Liaison role
- Staff awareness and training sessions
- Support reviewing policies and procedures
- Identification and recording guidance
- Pupil awareness and assembly support
- Advice around support strategies and good practice
- Support strengthening transition pathways
- Networking and sharing of effective practice
Designed to be practical and achievable
The Quality Mark is designed to fit within everyday school life and reflect the individual context of each setting.
It recognises the positive work schools may already be doing while providing a supportive framework to strengthen consistency, confidence and sustainability over time.
By working towards the Quality Mark, schools can demonstrate their commitment to ensuring Young Carers feel recognised, included and able to achieve their potential.
