SOUTH Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle raised concerns about the needs of young carers in Wales with First Minister Carwyn Jones at the Senedd.

Mr Whittle, who is Plaid Cymru’s children’s spokesman, 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?

The first minister replied: “Support for young carers is a priority for us. That is why, through the carers strategy and the support that we have put in place , we recognise the contribution that they make, and the need for them to have necessary support.”