College re-accredited for Quality Standard in Carer Support
02/11/2023We are pleased to announce that we have achieved Carers Federation Quality Standard in Carer Support (QSCS) re-accreditation, demonstrating our commitment as a College to supporting Young Adult Carers (YACs) amongst our student body.
Having been previously accredited, the Carers Federation requires re-accreditation every 3 years. The process of re-accreditation has enabled us to ensure we are continually improving and evolving our approach to support and has helped to develop and inform a Young Carers policy in addition to our approach to student wellbeing.
The assessment by QSCS examined different areas of the College’s approach to YACs, from staff training and outreach to ongoing student support. The awarding body recognised the College’s awareness of the barriers that YACs face in accessing support and its commitment to ongoing development and inclusion of student voice.
As part of the research undertaken for the new YAC guidelines, the College consulted with students who have caring responsibilities, allowing their views and experiences to help shape the proposal. The consultation identified the need for a person-led, flexible and responsive support package to meet the changing needs of YACs over time.
The College has been working to further embed trauma-informed and trauma-responsive approaches, having implemented a TrACE (Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences) approach to student support. Whilst staff training has already begun, the aim is to roll it out to all staff and students over time in order to increase awareness and to foster an understanding of the link between behaviour and causality, which can then be applied appropriately in daily life.
“We are committed to creating an inclusive culture which fosters a sense of belonging and enables all people to thrive. We want to create an environment which enables students to be ready to engage in learning and to feel safe and happy. We are delighted to have achieved re-accreditation with the Carers Federation, which is an important acknowledgement of our continued work to support young adult carers.”
Joe Baldwin, Deputy Principal of Learner Journey, Systems and Inclusive Practice at Bridgend College
