Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2013
446. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the options in place for a child to avail of home schooling; the criteria which must be met to be eligible for home schooling; the way a parent goes about applying to have their child home schooled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11024/13]
View answerRecognising the constitutional role of the family as primary educator of the child, the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 provides for the right of every child to a “certain minimum education” and sets out the requirements for the registration of children as being in receipt of an education in a place other than a recognised school, including home settings. Parents/guardians who decide to educate their child at home are legally obliged under the Act to undertake a registration process through the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB). This involves the submission of an application process to the NEWB by the parent/guardian, which is followed by an assessment by the Board of the education being provided. The assessment process is outlined under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 and in the Department of Education and Skills’ Guidelines on the Assessment of Education in Places other than Recognised Schools.
I am advised by the Board that if, after the preliminary assessment, it cannot be determined if the child is in receipt of a certain minimum education, the Board will require that a comprehensive assessment be carried out under Section 14 of the Act. Parents wishing to undertake the registration process should refer to the website of the National Educational Welfare Board at www.newb.ie for further information on home schooling or contact the NEWB at 01 8738736.
