When things at home affect your learning
Problems at home can make it hard to cope with school.
If things are hard at home, then it can affect your learning. This is because you may feel anxious or upset. You may also feel distracted and find it difficult to concentrate in class.
The good news is that everyone has the right to additional support at school. Your school is there to give you some extra help if you need it.
Here are some examples of things that could be happening at home that mean you need extra help:
⚪️ Family arguments or parents splitting up
⚪️ Someone passing away
⚪️ Moving to a new country and not knowing if you can stay
⚪️ Being homeless or in temporary housing
⚪️ Having a family member in prison
⚪️ Not having enough money for food, bills, school uniform or school trips.
How do I get some extra help?
Talking about your worries at home to an adult from your school that you trust is a good first step.
This is because they can help you find out about support that could make learning easier to cope with.
If however, you feel like that isn’t an option, Childline will listen and help you figure out some next steps. You can call them on 0800 1111.
HOW CAN MY SCHOOL HELP?
Some of the ways your school can support you if things at home are affecting your learning:
- If things at home are affecting your learning, then your school can make sure you have time to talk with a school counsellor or guidance teacher.
- You may also be entitled to support to help you travel to and from school. For example, like having a taxi provided for you.
- There may also be financial support available to help pay for things like school uniform, PE kit and school trips.
- When things at home make it difficult to keep up with your school work or homework then your school should provide extra time and support for you to catch up.
- If you are a young carer, then your school can help to arrange support for you to care for someone at home.
Remember, whoever you tell about your worries at home should keep it private. This is unless they are concerned for your safety or you say it’s ok for them to tell someone else who can help you.
“You’re not alone, you can get through it. There is light at the end of the tunnel and people out there who care and can support you. Talking to a trusted adult can really help.“
a young person who has experienced problems at home