Young Carers Matter at Ralph Sadleir

At Ralph Sadleir, we are dedicated to supporting every student who balances their education with caring responsibilities at home. Guided by our motto, “Students of Today, Citizens of Tomorrow,” we ensure our Young Carers are met exactly where they are, giving them the space and encouragement to flourish.

Our core school values are at the heart of everything we do to support them:

• Kindness & Respect: We pride ourselves on building a safe, collaborative, and inclusive learning community. We respect the incredible commitment our young carers show outside of school and ensure our staff are always approachable, understanding, and ready to listen.

• Responsibility: While our young carers carry major responsibilities at home, it is our responsibility to look after their well-being. We provide the necessary adjustments so they can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

• Confidence & Determination: Juggling home and school life can be challenging. We help our young carers build a “can-do” attitude, supporting them to persevere through difficult times and keeping their future aspirations as high as possible.

What is a Young Carer?

A young carer is anyone under 18 who helps look after a family member who has an illness, disability, mental health condition, or addiction.

Our Young Carers Are Not Alone – Support in Hertfordshire

We work closely with Young Carers in Hertfordshire, a fantastic local service dedicated to supporting young carers. They offer free support, fun trips, holiday activities, and a chance to meet other young carers who understand exactly what our young carers are going through.

If you or your child thinks they might be a young carer, please speak to their tutor or any trusted adult at school. You can also learn more and find external guidance directly through Hertfordshire County Council’s Young Carers Service. Together, we will ensure our young carers have the support to succeed.