A HAYDON Wick school providing specialist support to young carers has won a prestigious award.

Orchid Vale Primary School in Torun Way received the Standard 3 young carer award from charity Swindon Carers Centre in a special assembly yesterday. (OCT 19)

The school was awarded the accolade in recognition for the support systems they have implemented to ensure the well-being of young carers.

A mosaic tree artwork designed by Kemble artist Jo Moreman was presented to teacher Anna Maguire, with each fragment representing a young carer in the country.

Orchid Vale started their initiative in September, after teaching assistant John Whitmell noticed children who had taken on caring responsibilities at home.

“You would see students who were tired or late into school and naturally we were worried about them and wanted to help,” he said.

Together with colleague Anna, the school began work towards the highest standard 3 award. To be awarded the accolade the school had to demonstrate a dedicated awareness of the importance of carer function which included staff training and providing two dedicated staff members for carers to speak to.

The school currently has four children who have a caring responsibility and with the school’s new status they hope more children will come forward.

Anna said she was delighted to have received the award for Orchid Vale.

“I’m proud that we have this award. Being a young carers school means that they truly care and support children that are helping to care for their families,” she said.

Anna said many children may not realise they are taking on a caring responsibility.

“This is about raising awareness, children may not be aware they are a carer and that’s what we have seen.

"They are so kind and caring they think they are just helping out a family member. But the work they do considering how young they are is incredible.

“It makes them feel supported to have a dedicated person they can approach. It makes us quite special as a school and I’m delighted.”

Fiona Prinzi from charity the Swindon Carer’s Centre was impressed with the dedication of the Orchid Vale staff.

“It’s heartening to see how much effort the school has gone to and how committed they are to the cause,” Fiona said.

“We wanted carers to feel able to speak to someone about what they do. It’s also about giving them that downtime, time to relax and give them a much needed break when they need it.”

Orchid Vale is one of 45 town schools and academies working toward the young carer award.

There are an estimated 700,000 young carers under the age of 18 in England.