APPG for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers response to the school census data

School census data has been released showing, for the first time, figures for the number of young carers in England. There were 38,983 young carers recorded in the school census, well under half the 96,757 young carers aged 5-16 in England identified in the 2021 census. The true figure is believed to be much higher.

Responding to the figures, Paul Blomfield MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers, said:

“The figures released today from the school census relating to young carers are extremely alarming and must prompt significant and joined-up action.”

“As an APPG, we welcomed the inclusion of young carers in the school census as a way of improving awareness and support for young carers across all schools.

“The fact that more than three-quarters of schools recorded no young carers highlights just how much work needs to be done to ensure that young carers are being identified in school, but also to make sure that the young carers who are identified can access the support that they need.

“Over the past year, we have heard from young carers across the country, and on every occasion, improved awareness and support in schools is one of their top priorities.

“As an APPG, we will be writing to the Schools Minister to ask what action will be taken on the back of these figures to significantly improve the identification, recognition and support for young carers in all schools.

“Coming less than 24 hours after the launch of the first-ever parliamentary inquiry into life opportunities for young carers, and in the middle of Carers Week, these latest results must act as a wake-up call, and result in national and local action, if young carers are to have the same educational and life opportunities as their peers.”

Paul Blomfield pictured below (middle)