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<p>It is very important that we make sure that young carers can participate in education
and receive the support they need. However, financial need will vary significantly
from family to family.</p><p>The department keeps under review the use of the 16-19
Bursary Fund to inform our understanding of whether it is providing effective support
to our most economically disadvantaged students.</p><p>The defined vulnerable groups
eligible for particular support from the 16-19 Bursary Fund are groups that generally
do not receive financial support from their families. Young carers can receive help
from the discretionary element of the 16-19 Bursary Fund, which is made available
to education and training institutions. It is their role to determine which young
people need bursaries and the level of financial support required to enable these
students to participate.</p><p>Young carers are able to discuss their particular needs
with their school or college, which can then provide appropriate individualised support.
Government guidance for those institutions is very clear about the need to encourage
young carers to apply for the bursary fund, to reassure them about confidentiality
and to consider whether they need extra help because of their caring responsibilities.
Our view is that institutions are best placed to assess the needs of young carers,
rather than making a decision at national level.</p>
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