To ask the Minister of Education whether he plans to provide further transitional support for young carers in schools following the launch of the Young Carers Covenant in March 2024.

My department continues to work with stakeholders to improve the understanding in schools around the role of young carers, the challenges they face and the support available. I, therefore, welcome the publication of the Young Carers Covenant.

In January 2024, my department issued a ‘Young Carers in Education Digital Awareness Pack’ to all schools. The pack was developed with Action for Children, Barnardo’s Northern Ireland and the Education Authority’s Education Welfare Service. The pack includes a digital poster designed by a young carer, guidance on ‘Supporting Young Carers in School’ and a research report produced by Action for Children’s Young Carers Reference Group.

I also recently nominated officials to sit on the newly established Cross Departmental Senior Officials Group for Carers. My officials will advocate for the needs of young carers in this forum as well as working collaboratively with other departments.