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Education Summit

Young Carers Education Summit

Posted: 05-11-2025

Annelies, one of our tutors, attended the MyTime Young Carers Education Summit at Bournemouth University. The event brought together professionals from a range of settings including schools, councils, charities and alternative provisions, all with the shared aim of better understanding and supporting young carers in our organisations.

The training consisted of multiple lectures and independent workshops that explored some of the common misconceptions around young carers. We also looked at the hidden impact that caring responsibilities can have on attendance, emotional wellbeing, concentration, academic progress and more, as well as how signs can often be missed in busy school environments.

One of the most powerful parts of the day came later, when we heard directly from young carers themselves. They spoke about what they wished teachers understood, the challenges they face in school, and the small but meaningful things that made them feel seen, valued and supported. It was a reminder that even the smallest adjustments or moments of understanding can make a huge difference to them and their ability to access learning.

Annelies has already shared what she learned with our Directors and together have reflected on the unique position RISE holds as an alternative provision. Because we work so closely with our pupils and pride ourselves on build strong relationships, we are able to spot things that may go unnoticed in a traditional school setting. That gives us a real responsibility to respond thoughtfully and make sure young carers feel understood, listened to and supported.

Here at RISE, we believe every pupil deserves the chance to Engage. Succeed. Thrive. RISE. That is why we take training and professional development seriously. It not only equips staff with new approaches and insights, but also directly benefits our pupils by helping us create safe, flexible and emotionally informed learning environments where young people are supported holistically, not just academically.

We are proud to keep learning, keep listening and keep improving and we are already exploring how we can embed these insights into the way we mentor, tutor and build relationships with our pupils.

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