A PRIMARY school has been awarded for the support it has shown to young carers.

Wentworth Primary, on Viking Road, Maldon, was given a bronze award for its effort in making sure pupils don’t miss out on education because of caring responsibilities.

The Young Carers in Schools programme helps improve education for children and celebrates through the Young Carers in Schools Award.

Headteacher Dawn Dack said: “At Wentworth we are very proud of our young carers.

“We recognise the extra responsibility they have outside of school and try to ensure our curriculum offers these pupils a wide range of activities and experiences they may not be able to access.”

One 11-year-old pupil said: “Young Carers Club has been a help because it’s taken my mind off my brother, especially when he was really ill.

“It was good to spend time with other people who have the same sort of problems.”

A ten-year-old student said: “I like how everyone is really nice and supportive and I enjoy the knitting – it’s really fun.

“I think Young Carers has been helpful because it takes my mind off all my worries at home.”

The 2011 Census statistics revealed that there are more than 166,000 young carers in England.

But the school claims this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Essex County Council schools development co-ordinator David Mirzai said: “In achieving their Bronze Award, Wentworth Primary has demonstrated that it supports young carers in many ways, including homework clubs and drop-in sessions for this vulnerable group of pupils.

“Vital information about how to identify young carers is made available to all school staff and the school webpage lets pupils and their families know where to go for help.”

Carers Trust chief executive Giles Meyer has congratulated the award-winning schools.

He said: “On average, young carers will miss a day of school each month as a result of their caring role, so the steps schools take to identify and support them can have a huge impact on their learning, wellbeing and life chances.”