Excel Learning Trust in York is proud to announce it has signed the Young Carers Covenant, further solidifying its commitment to supporting those students who take on caring responsibilities at home. Millthorpe School, which belongs to the Trust, demonstrated its obligation to young carers earlier this year when it became the first school in the city to receive the Young Carers in Schools Award, and now deepens its promise by signing the covenant too.
The other Excel Learning Trust schools, York High, Carr Junior, Inspire Academy and Knavesmire, Scarcroft and Woodthorpe primary schools, are all also working towards the Young Carers Award.
The Young Carers Covenant is a UK-wide commitment to young carers and young adult carers drawn up by Carers Trust and members of the Young Carers Alliance. It sets out ten key outcomes that young carers from across the UK have said are key to improving their lives.
A young carer is a child or young person who provides care, assistance, or support to a family member who is physically or mentally ill, disabled, or misuses drugs or alcohol.
Adam Baybutt, Assistant Principal at Millthorpe School said “We are completely committed to supporting the young carers in our school, as are our colleagues across the Trust. Receiving the Young Carers in Schools Award earlier this year was a huge achievement and by signing the Young Carers Covenant, we are further demonstrating our unwavering dedication to supporting this cohort of wonderful students.”
Reaching out for support is crucial and confidential. By identifying young carers, the Trust schools can ensure students receive comprehensive support both within the school environment and through external provisions.
Support available to identified young carers at Millthorpe includes:
- In-school support to ensure wellbeing and academic needs are met.
- External support facilitation, such as attendance at Youth Clubs.
- Financial assistance, including subsidised trips and discounted shopping vouchers.
- Emotional and Mental Health Support, including access to 1-1 emotional support and, if required, CBT counselling.
Mr Baybutt adds “There is no stigma attached to being a young carer – in fact, we think they are remarkable and do all that we can to help them succeed. We urge any family who thinks their child may be a young carer to please reach out to their school for support. This is so that we can ensure your child is looked after in school and has access to the vital support network they deserve.”
28 November 2025
