King Henry VIII School gains 'Young Carers in School Programme' Award

King Henry VIII School, Abergavenny has become the first secondary school in Monmouthshire to gain a Carers Trust South East Wales' Award for achieving the 'Basics' of the Young Carers in Schools Programme.

The school has been recognised for its outstanding provision, which enables young carers to thrive.

King Henry VIII is one of 15 schools aAcross Greater Gwent, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to achieve 'The Basics'. The first of the three-stage programme, further stages are; 'Beyond the Basics and Best Practice' this combined with five important standards to enable young carers to prosper and bloom 'Understand, Inform, Identify, Support and Listen'.

The programme ensures young carers are not missed in schools and receive the help and support they need to learn. All secondary schools in the county work directly with Carers Trust South East Wales to provide fundamental support for pupils via Carers Trust South East Wales Young Carers Service. Two comprehensive schools in Monmouthshire are currently engaged with the Young Carers in Schools Programme.

Carers Trust South East Wales work alongside the development of the Successful Futures curriculum, ensuring that the Young Carers in Schools Programme provides an integral approach to supporting vulnerable learners. The programme provides vital partnership opportunities with health boards, local authorities and young carer's services to give young carers, their families the best support.

Carers Trust South East Wales provides children and young people with support outside of school including training, activities and trips, which provide young carers with opportunities to share thoughts and gain solidarity from their peers in similar situations. Carers Trust South East Wales will be attending Usk Show on September 8th in partnership with Monmouthshire County Council to raise awareness of the fantastic work and raise funds to continue the excellent work of the organisation.

Cllr Penny Jones, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care said:
'I congratulate King Henry VIII on gaining this award. Recognising and responding to the needs of our young carers is a fundamental to enabling children and young people to have the best start in life. Growing up is hard and even harder if you have to grow up faster than your peers. It is fantastic to see the commitment and support in our schools to give every child an equal opportunity to thrive and learn.'