Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 20 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason young carers are reportedly discriminated against in relation to school absences and claiming Education Maintenance Allowance.
No young person should not be discriminated against if they are a young carer and are entitled to claim the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
Receipt of the EMA is linked to attendance - that is why we strongly encourage delivery partners to consider a young person’s personal circumstance and apply flexibility to their attendance pattern.
This approach is clearly highlighted in the EMA guidance document which gives local authorities and colleges the necessary guidelines to help them administer the EMA programme effectively and fairly by using their own discretion, and in line with both local and national policies.
We also advise that young people inform their school or Local Authority of their circumstances (such as those with caring responsibilities) in order for flexibility to be applied.