Jackie Cahill
Question:259. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education for an update on an application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41272/23]
View answerTuesday, 26 September 2023
Questions (259)
Written answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question. The purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school as follows:
a) Early educational intervention for children with autism who meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria
b) Students with special educational needs seeking an educational placement in a recognised school
c) Students, enrolled in schools, with a significant medical condition, or school phobia and/or associated depression/anxiety, which has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school
In exceptional cases the Department will consider home tuition applications on behalf of students with diagnoses of school phobia and/or associated depression/anxiety which has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school. This exception will only apply where a continued absence from school is required to facilitate appropriate medical or therapeutic intervention with a view to the reintegration of the student in their school.
In relation to applications in respect of students with diagnoses of school phobia and/or associated depression/anxiety, the principle that home tuition cannot be provided as an alternative to school applies.
Eligibility in exceptional cases is assessed having regard to, although not limited to, the following criteria:
• The student’s attendance levels during the previous school year.
• Psychologist’s/psychiatrist’s report which should
i. Clearly confirm a diagnosis of school phobia and/or associated depression/anxiety.
ii. Provide details of medical or therapeutic intervention plans in place with a view to reintegrate the student back into his/her school.
• Details of engagement with the relevant support agencies (e.g. School, National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), Education Welfare Officer (EWO), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), TUSLA (Child and Family Agency), HSE, NCSE).
An application for Home Tuition for the child referred to by the Deputy was received by my Department on the 15th of September 2023. The application was made on the grounds that a significant medical condition/school phobia etc. has caused/continues to cause a major disruption to the child's attendance at school. To make a decision on this case, further information is required by the Special Education Section. A letter requesting this information was sent to the applicant on the 15th of September 2023 and my officials are awaiting a response. Should they require any further assistance, the parents are welcome to contact the Special Education Section using the contact details provided below.
Address: Special Education Section, Department of Education, Cornamaddy, Athlone, County Westmeath, N37 X659
Email: special_education@education.gov.ie.
Phone number: (090) 648 4187.