Children: Carers

Lembit Öpik
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what his Department's latest estimate is of the number of children unable to attend full-time education because they care for others in their family; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo
These data are not held centrally.

Supporting young carers and their families is a priority for this Government. Young carers, like all children and young people, are entitled to enjoy their childhood and should not have to take on levels of caring that may be harmful to their education or health. Where young carers and their families need additional support this should be provided.