HUNDREDS of children as young as five are caring for family members across the city, new Census figures have revealed.

Across York a total of 313 children from the age of 16 and under are caring for parents, siblings and other family members, which is having a detrimental effect on their education.

The figures revealed a shocking total of 10,209 children and young people across the entire region were providing care for family members.

The Children’s Society and the Carers Trust are now working together along with Young Carers in Focus to promote the Young Carers in Schools Programme to educate staff to ensure young carers can access the vital support they need.

Matthew Reed, chief executive at The Children’s Society, said: “An alarming amount of young carers in your area are having their lives turned upside down, juggling school work and looking after their loved ones.

“We care passionately about their welfare and exposing the scale of the issue is simply not enough.”

Schools interested in taking part in the Young Carers in Schools Programme should visit www.youngcarer.com/ycinschools