Young Carers: Health and Well-being

Debate between Lord Watts and Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford

Monday 13th January 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford]

This is a hugely important point, because obviously sometimes young carers are not necessarily identified by health professionals. In 2019 the Department for Education carried out a review of the educational outcomes of children who need or have had need of a social worker, and obviously young carers are identified in that cohort, where they represent around 3% or 16,500 of them. The department has identified the barriers that they face and the best practice needed to help leaders and front-line practitioners overcome them. Work is ongoing in how we respond to that. In addition, the DfE has worked to improve information sharing to safeguard vulnerable children, which would include carers, to make sure that they are picked up and given the support they need and thus ensure that they have the best life chances.

[Lord Watts (Lab)]

My Lords, how do the school attendance records of children who are carers compare with the average?

[Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford]

The noble Lord has asked a specific statistical question which I want to provide an accurate answer to, so I will write to him.