KRAMER ASKS FOR SCHOOLS TO MENTOR YOUNG CARERS

2.05.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 18th Jun 2006

Following Carers Week local MP Susan Kramer is to write to the Education Secretary asking for support for young people still at school who care for a relative.

She is also going to take the issue up with Kingston and Richmond Councils to see what can be done to get schools to work with those pupils who take on a big responsibility on top of their studies.

Susan Kramer said:

"I had some experience of caring for my mum when I was a teenager and I want to make sure that young people in Richmond and Kingston get the support they need when they play this kind of role.

"There should be some sort of priority for these kind of students in the admissions system. They should be able to go to a local school rather than travelling miles across London so that they can study and still be able to play a caring role.

"Equally important schools should have a nominated member of staff who can work with young carers so that they can get the support they need at difficult times.

"The current Education Bill should take this issue on board so that there is some protection in law for young people who find themselves in such circumstances."