NORTHGATE Primary School in Bridgwater has become the first primary school in Somerset to be awarded for its outstanding work in making sure students do not miss out on opportunities if they are young carers.

The school has been awarded the bronze Young Carers in Schools Award.

Young carers provide emotional, practical or physical care for a parent, sibling, or family member who has a physical disability, mental health issue or substance misuse issue.

Headteacher Kate Penny said: "I am delighted that Northgate Primary School has been awarded the Bronze Carers in School Award.

"I would like to thank Sharon Pearson, Northgate PFSA, for all her hand in supporting Young Carers and in achieving the award for our school.

"As a school we will continue to work together towards the Silver Young Carers award."

The census data reveals that there are just over 166,000 young carers in Engalnd who are unrecognised and unsupported.

The Young Carers in Schools programme helps primary and secondary schools to improve outcomes for carers and encourages healthy practices through the Young Carers.

Sharon Pearson, PFSA and young carers lead for Northgate, said: "I am so pleased to have received the bronze Young Carers in Schools Award for our Northgate Young Heroes.

"It's lovely to see they have recognition for all their hard work and commitments at home."

Mel, the Somerset Young Carers in Schools award coordinator, said: "I am so proud to be working with schools and Young Carers to help with support and opportunities across the county.

"We have gone from zero awards in five years to two in the last six months and a number of schools are ready to be assessed.

"The work, enthusiasm and positive feedback I have had from support leads has been fantastic and I can't tell you how invaluable it is to see the Young Carers getting there all important extra help and recognition."

To help schools support young carers, the programme offers a step-by-step guide for leaders, teachers, and non- teaching staff, with practical tools designed to make it easy as possible.

Staff can also receive training through webinars and events and the programme also features a newsletter each term highlighting relevant policy developments, spotlighting good practice.