We are committed to ensuring that all students get the support they need to have a positive school experience, are happy in school and can achieve their full potential. We know that for some children, factors outside of school can have a big impact on this, particularly if there is someone in their family or a friend who is ill, disabled, or has difficulties with mental health or addiction. 

This year we will be aiming to achieve the 'Young Carers Award' by further improving our understanding and support for our Young Carers (this includes sibling carers). 

A young carer is a young person under the age of 18 whose life is affected by the care needs of another person, who may have any disability or long-term illness. This could be anybody with a physical or learning disability, mental health difficulty, long term chronic health condition, someone who misuses drugs or alcohol, or is elderly and frail.

There is lots of support available for young carers and their families should they ever need it – both inside and outside of school including Learning Mentor support, Play Therapy and a referrals to West Sussex Young Carers. If you think that any of the above applies to your child, and that they might possibly be a young carer then please contact Mrs Deadman (sen@crawleydownshool.com) who is one of our Young Carers Champions. The other Young Carers Champions are our Learning Mentors, Mrs Wright and Mrs Grainger. Even if you feel your child or family are doing really well and don’t need any support, we find that it’s better for us to be aware in case the situation suddenly changes and they (or you) do need support. Any information you share will only be shared with those that need to know and will be managed confidentially.