How do I write about the gap in work caused by being a carer?

[ahatintub]

I am applying for a job and there doesn’t seem to be any set way to explain the gap in my work from being a carer for a special needs teen, the online application process only has options for people with disability for special circumstances. So should this be in the CV or is there another way(/best practice) to put this into the online application process?

The best way seems to be putting it under experience however there doesn't seems to be any transferable skills from this time that is relevant to the job.

I can’t help with the CV, but I would be surprised if your caring duties had no relevant transferable skills - e.g. time management, organisation, negotiation/managing completing demands, paperwork.

Obviously, it will be unique to your application form, but skills such as planning, negotiating, advocating, note-taking, summarising, reporting and communicating with professionals are all part of caring for an SN child and could be linked to the prospective job.

I was faced with similar when I recently returned to work. I labelled the gap as being unemployed, but fleshed it out in the description. I also added that during this time I was a member of the parent council committee and volunteered at their school (slight exaggeration here!) and wrote about that.