POTTERS Gate Primary School has been awarded its first Angel Award by Surrey Young Carers (SYC) – recognising the wide-ranging care and support it gives to the many young carers who attend Potters Gate.
Sue Skerritt, SYC senior support co-ordinator, presented the award to Carly Harries, Potters Gate’s young carers co-ordinator, and a group of young carers.
Also at the presentation was Jane Whittington and Clive Richardson from the Diocese of Guildford, Gillian Trippler from the North East Hampshire and Farnham NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and Claire Rogers, school nurse from Central Surrey Health.
SYC developed the award working with young carers, launching it earlier this year. Its aim is to recognise schools that provide real support to their young carers.
On average, there are at least two young carers in every class. They often face challenges at school because of their caring role, such as falling behind in their work or not meeting their potential.
To achieve the award, schools must meet eight standards, checked by SYC staff and young carers.
These include having a carers’ champion, a support group, training for staff, and assemblies to help all pupils understand the issues young carers face.
One of the visitors, and herself a former headteacher of Potters Gate, Mrs Whittington said: “This is a wonderful recognition of the support given to young carers at Potters Gate. It was so good to meet the delightful group of young carers – angels without wings!”
Clive Richardson added after the award ceremony: “Congratulations on being the first Church School to receive the award.
“On behalf of the diocese, I formally acknowledge the outstanding work Potters Gate School has done to support young carers, and am delighted your work has received the recognition it deserves.”
Surrey Young Carers (www.surrey-youngcarers.org.uk) offers on-going support to young carers, advocating for them and their family to minimise the impact of caring on their lives.