Ellesmere Port primary school rewarded for championing inclusive education

St Bernard’s RC Primary & Nursery School in Ellesmere Port earned the Cheshire Young Carers Silver School Award. The school was recognised for its commitment to supporting pupils who are young carers. 

Cheshire Young Carers (CYC) work collaboratively with schools. It provides academic and pastoral support to young carers so they can achieve their full potential. It acknowledges schools who are doing this successfully through its award programme.

St Bernard’s is part of the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust (HFCMAT). It earned this award for its ongoing work to create an inclusive and supportive environment for the young carers who attend the school.

To achieve the silver award, schools must demonstrate they have met the core targets within CYC’s checklist. Targets range from attending briefings and hosting assemblies to completing educational assessments. 

St Bernard’s met all five of the silver targets, as well as half of the gold targets:

• all pupils have attended a CYC assembly
• all teaching staff have completed a CYC briefing
• the school has created a young carers policy

CYC’s report celebrated St Bernard’s for making significant progress beyond the foundational steps of the bronze award. Reviewers also noted how the school offers ongoing support through its implementation of individualised support plans. 

The report stated:

“The school has also shown a strong commitment to regular monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that young carers receive consistent and impactful assistance […] We encourage them to continue their excellent work, aiming for the highest standards of support and recognition.” 

Headteacher of St Bernard’s RC Primary & Nursery School, Mrs Julie Le Feuvre, said:

“We are thrilled to be awarded the Cheshire Young Carers Silver School Award. At St Bernard’s we are committed to ensuring all young carers within our school community feel supported, understood and are empowered to succeed. 

“We will continue building on this progress throughout the academic year as we strive to achieve the gold award.” 

Andy Moor, CEO of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, added:

“I am delighted that St Bernard’s has achieved the Cheshire Young Carers Silver School Award. Julie and the team work incredibly hard, and this award reflects the strength of the school’s pastoral provision. 

“As a Trust, we believe that a child’s start in life need not determine their future and by supporting the young carers in our schools, we ensure that all children are able to reach their full potential regardless of their circumstances.”