Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support is available for young carers in West Dorset to ensure they can fully participate in education.

​Statutory guidance ’Keeping children safe in education’ sets out that all school and college staff should be alert to the potential need for early help of young carers and requires designated safeguarding leads to undergo training to provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out their role, including having a good understanding of the specific needs of young carers. ​This will ensure they receive tailored support and do not miss out on vital educational opportunities.

Whilst young carer status does not attract pupil premium funding, evidence suggests that around 60% of young carers are eligible for this funding through free school meals entitlement. Our guidance to school leaders is clear that pupil premium should not be restricted to those pupils who have eligibility for the funding, and schools should use it to support other pupils with identified needs, including young carers.