Children and young people with caring responsibilities > About school

About school

'How can I make things better for myself?'

Sometimes you may find things become difficult at school because teachers, staff and maybe even your friends don't understand why you are always tired or distracted.

Some things worth considering:

Have a chat with an understanding friend.

Speak to a teacher. Remember it doesn't have to be your own teacher - if you get on better with one of the other teachers or staff, then talk to them.

Think about how things could be done differently at school and ask for changes. You may not have to complete your homework by its due date unless it's really important, or you may be able to have your phone on in lessons (on vibrate) so you can be contacted if anything goes wrong at home. Your school should have a policy which lists how they can help.

Make new friends.

Have some fun - get together with a few friends and have a good giggle (not during lessons though!)

Look after yourself better – if it’s difficult to do your homework at home, see if you can do it at school during break or lunch times.

Feeling stressed? Tell someone; you might be surprised to find your friends and even your teachers can help ease the stress, even if it's only to listen while you have a whinge, just to get it out of your system, or they might come up with an idea to help you cope.

Help with homework:

Ask your school if they have a homework club you can join if you need extra help. Some Young Carers Projects have homework clubs too.

www.gridclub.com - up-to-the-minute news section and a library offering help with homework as well as puzzles and quizzes

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/revision - BBC Bitesize offers help with revision for GCSEs and other exams, including games and quizzes

You can get more information from:

www.youngcarer.com - website for young carers, their families and those who work to support them

www.youngcarers.net

There are people who can help:

West Sussex Carers Support Services