Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Young Carers: School Absence

Monday 4 November 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government are collecting specific absence data for young carers through the school census.
  • The Department aims to support young carers in school and those with mental health conditions.
  • Statutory attendance guidance seeks to address barriers and support opportunities for young carers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bobby Dean Lib Dem Carshalton and Wallington
Education Children & Families
Context

Young carers face barriers to education due to their caring responsibilities. The government collects absence data for these students.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to help tackle persistent school absences among young carers?

Answer from Janet Daby

The Government are committed to breaking down barriers to opportunities for all young people, including young carers who provide a critical role in caring for their loved ones. We now collect specific absence data for young carers through the school census, and our statutory attendance guidance seeks to ensure that they receive holistic support to overcome barriers to attendance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures addressing persistent absences are not detailed beyond a commitment statement.

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Q2 Bobby Dean Lib Dem Carshalton and Wallington
Mental Health Children & Families
Context

Long-term mental health conditions among young carers may contribute to school absences. The Royal College of Paediatrics highlights that one in five young carers could suffer from long-term mental health issues.

Question

Can the Minister explain what measures the Department is taking to ensure that sufficient help is in place for people suffering from those conditions?

Answer from Janet Daby

We want to ensure that we support young carers in school, as well as other children who may be suffering from mental health conditions. This Government are entirely committed to supporting young people with mental health conditions, and we are making sure that there will be mental health support in every school up and down the country. For young carers who may be experiencing increasing mental health conditions, we are expanding the attendance mentoring programme to ensure that around an extra 10,800 young carers are supported, especially in the area of mental health.

Answered
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