§ Baroness Howe of Idlicoteasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the estimated number of young carers in the United Kingdom; and how many are members of the recently formed young carers organisation. [HL2910]
§ Baroness Andrews:The 2001 Census recorded a total of 149,942 young carers aged 17 and under. The Department of Health supports the Young Carers Initiative through a grant to the Children's Society. The Initiative supports over 250 projects or groups working with young carers, which are funded through a range of sources including statutory agencies, the voluntary sector and lottery funds. Each project in turn supports between thirty and fifty young carers. In addition, the Young Carers Initiative supports an annual festival which expects to attract 1,800 young people in 2003.
§ Baroness Howe of Idlicoteasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied with the support given to young carers by local education authorities and schools. [HL2912]
§ Baroness Ashton of Upholland:We know that some local education authorities and schools provide very good support to young carers. The department is 125WA looking at ways of disseminating good practice to other LEAs and schools.
§ Baroness Howe of Idlicoteasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether additional responsibilities of young carers and the necessary support they are likely to need is adequately covered in initial and subsequent teacher training. [HL2913]
§ Baroness Ashton of Upholland:Since September 2002, we have ensured that the standards required to qualify as a teacher include an understanding of how pupils' learning can be affected by their physical, intellectual, linguistic, social, cultural and emotional development. A number of these issues may affect young carers. Newly qualified teachers are required to complete an induction period during which they liaise 126WA with parents and carers to further develop their professional knowledge.
§ Baroness Howe of Idlicoteasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the national curriculum citizenship agenda covers the role played by young carers; and whether, where appropriate, these issues can be illustrated by the experiences of pupils. [HL.2914]
§ Baroness Ashton of Upholland:The flexibility of the citizenship framework allows schools to choose how to organise and teach citizenship in a way that suits their pupils' needs. Pupils are taught about taking a responsible role in the community through participation in both school and community-based activities during citizenship education. Teachers can therefore draw on the role of young carers in discussions about responsible action and community service.