Young Carers in Norfolk Primary Schools: Establishing a Body of Local Evidence

Why is the research needed?

Young carers are children and young people who provide unpaid care for a family member because of disability, long-term illness, mental ill-health or substance misuse. Many young carers remain hidden because their caring role is not identified by schools or other services.

In England, the 2021 Census identified around 120,000 young carers aged 5–17, although this is widely considered an underestimate. Evidence suggests that young carers are often under-recorded in school data, making it difficult to ensure they receive appropriate support. Young caring responsibilities can affect school attendance, educational attainment and wellbeing, with young carers more likely to experience stress, anxiety and disadvantage than their peers.

This research aims to improve understanding of how schools identify young carers and use information about caring responsibilities to support them. Better identification and use of data could help ensure young carers receive timely support, appropriate signposting and access to relevant services.

What are we doing?

We will examine how mainstream primary schools in Norfolk identify young carers and use information about caring responsibilities to support them.

An initial mapping exercise examined publicly available information and routine data about current practice across Norfolk primary schools. The project has subsequently gathered stakeholder perspectives and is now preparing direct engagement with schools to understand:

• how young carers are identified;
• what information is collected and recorded;
• how information about caring responsibilities is used to inform support and referrals; and
• what helps or hinders effective support and innovative practice.

We will use the findings to develop recommendations for improving the identification and support of young carers in schools.

How are we working with communities, services and organisations?

We will take a collaborative approach by engaging with schools and organisations that support young carers and their families.

Stakeholders consulted or involved include Norfolk County Council, Caring Together, MYTIME Young Carers, Carers Trust, The Benjamin Foundation, and the ACORN Network (ARC East of England Family Carer Research Network). Mainstream primary schools in Norfolk will be recruited for the next phase of the study.

Through interviews and stakeholder engagement, the project is gathering diverse perspectives on current practice, challenges and opportunities for improvement. The project will work with partners to ensure outputs are accessible and useful for schools, service providers and decision-makers.

What will the impact and benefits of this research be?

The project will create a clearer understanding of how young carers are currently identified and supported in Norfolk primary schools.

• Improved understanding of current identification and data collection practices;
• Identification of gaps, variation and examples of good practice across schools;
• Recommendations to support earlier and more consistent identification of young carers;
• Improved signposting and referral pathways to appropriate support services;
• Better coordination between education, health and social care services; and
• A stronger evidence base to inform local planning, resource allocation and service development.

The findings will help local partners strengthen support pathways and improve outcomes for young carers and their families. Learning from the project may also inform wider regional and national discussions about policy, data collection and support for young carers.

What do we have planned for knowledge mobilisation and implementation?

We will share findings with participating schools and stakeholders through a range of accessible outputs.

• A short evidence briefing summarising the key findings;
• Feedback events and webinars with schools and local partners;
• A practical “What Good Looks Like” resource to support the identification of young carers and the use of data to trigger support and referral pathways;
• Dissemination through NIHR ARC East of England and ACORN networks; and
• Sharing learning with regional and national audiences to contribute to guidance, policy and practice discussions.

Related papers, outputs and resources 

Links will be added as outputs are produced.