4. To ask the Scottish Government how its learning directorate assists young carers in accessing their right to education. (S5O-00602)

Today is young carers awareness day, on which we are all invited to recognise the unique challenges that young carers in Scotland face. I am happy to do so and to acknowledge that, when this Government states that it is determined to ensure that all our children and young people get the same chances and choices to succeed at school and in life, that includes young carers.

The work that is under way across my portfolio—from the transformation of early learning and the increase in childcare entitlement to 1,140 hours by 2020 to the funding and activity to close the attainment gap, the plan to deliver excellence and equity in school education and the activity to take forward measures to widen access, review student support and reform the learner journey—will consider the needs of young carers to determine what more might need to be done to enable them to fulfil their potential.

Does the Cabinet secretary agree that the solutions lie in a cross-portfolio approach, that they cannot be looked at purely in an education context, and that they are wider than being purely a Scottish Government responsibility?

I accept that point. It is important that we co-ordinate and link up at all levels of government—not just in the Scottish Government, but in local authorities and communities—to focus on the needs of individual young people and ensure that they are met.

There are many good examples in the public services of where that thinking is brought to the fore. It delivers much better outcomes and opportunities for young people and ensures that they receive the support to which they are entitled. The Government is committed to working in such a fashion.