A PRIMARY school has been given a prestigious award for its young carers.

Harwich Community Primary School and Nursery has achieved a Bronze Award for Young Carers for their work to make sure students don't miss out on education because they are young carers.

The Young Carers in Schools programme helps primary and secondary schools to improve outcomes for young carers and celebrates good practice through the Young Carers in Schools Award.

Debbie Byles, deputy headteacher, said: “We are thrilled to have received recognition for the Bronze Young Carers Award.

"It is so important to support our pupils who care for loved ones so that they can access a network to help them, whether it being practically or as an emotional support.

"We look forward to working towards the Silver Award."

To achieve the Bronze Award Harwich Community Primary School and Nursery has demonstrated that it supports young carers in many ways, including homework clubs and drop-in sessions with two members of staff, Allison Fletcher and Debbie Watts, who are responsible for this vulnerable group of pupils.

Giles Meyer, chief executive of Carers Trust, said: “The Young Carers in Schools programme is helping to transform schools and support staff across England.

"Schools play a vital role in a young carer’s life, as many care for relatives without their teachers even knowing what they do.

"On average young carers will miss a day of school each month as a result of their caring role, so the steps schools take to identify and support them can have a huge impact on their learning, wellbeing and life chances."