Plaid Cymru AM Lindsay Whittle has raised concerns about the needs of young carers in Wales with First Minister Carwyn Jones during questions at the Senedd last week.
The South Wales East AM, who is Plaid’s children’s spokesperson, said: “In Wales, there are 11,000 children who care for a relative, carrying out such tasks as washing, making meals, dressing and bathing. Some of these children are in primary schools.
“Many of these young carers are also bullied at school and miss out on an education. What assurances can you give that the rights of these vulnerable young carers to be free from bullying and to receive the same educational opportunities as other children will be safeguarded by this Government?
Responding the First Minister said: “Support for young carers is a priority for us. We know that there are many young people in Wales, sometimes at a very young age, who are carers.
“That is why, through the carers strategy and the support that we have put in place for young carers, we recognise the contribution that they make, and the need for them to have the necessary level of support.”