Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 29 August 2024
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will outline how it is encouraging schools to identify young carers to (a) ensure that they receive the support that they need to successfully transition to university or college and (b) increase their awareness of targeted support and resources that might be available at university or college.
As set out in our National Carers Strategy, the Scottish Government recognises the importance of young carers being identified in schools so that they can be supported in achieving their educational and wider goals.
This is why we fund an Education Officer post at Carers Trust Scotland to work with Education Scotland, the General Teaching Council for Scotland, and the Scottish Qualification Authority on improving young carer awareness, identification, and support in education. This has led to an accredited e-training module to help education staff understand, identify, and support young carers.
This e-training module has recently been refreshed to add information about supporting young carers in their transition into further or higher education or employment. Additionally, we have funded Young Scot to work with young carers to create a page on their platform which hosts information and resources for young carers about what support is available to them at key transitions, such as moving from Primary to Secondary School; and from Secondary School onto further education or work. Skills Development Scotland are also highlighting to career advisers the additional support young carers may need at this pivotal time.