Maldon's Plume Academy has achieved an award for making sure that students do not miss out because they are young carers.

'The Young Carers in Schools Programme' helps primary and secondary schools improve educational outcomes for young carers and celebrates good practice through the Young Carers in Schools Award.

Tracy Davis, who worked in collaboration with the programme lead, Olu Bamigbele, said: "To achieve the Bronze Award, the academy has had to demonstrate that we continue to support our known young carers in a multitude of ways, including homework clubs and drop-in sessions with a member of staff who is responsible for this vulnerable group of young people.

"Vital information about how to identify young carers is made available to all of the academy's staff, and noticeboards and the academy's main webpage let our students and their families know where to go for help should they feel they are in need of it."

Mrs Davis added: "Even more pleasingly, we are now well on the way to meeting the criteria and applying for the Young Carers Silver Award."

Young carers are those who are responsible for the emotional, practical and/or physical care for a parent, carer, sibling or other family member who has a physical disability, mental health issue or substance misuse issue.

The 2011 Census statistics revealed that there are just over 166,000 young carers in England, but research reveals that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The true figure could be closer to 800,000 young carers in England, equivalent to one in five secondary school students, many of whom are currently unrecognised and unsupported.

Giles Meyer, Chief Executive of Carers Trust, today congratulated the award-winning schools, saying: "The Young Carers in Schools Programme is helping to transform schools and support staff across England.

"Schools play a vital role in a young carer's life, as many care for relatives without their teachers even knowing what they do. 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 ultimately, their life chances."