Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017
318. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if special consideration can be given to the family of a person (details supplied) in order to allow payment of the July provision for 2017 to be approved for home tuition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13469/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Skills provides for the education of children through the provision of recognised schools. Recognised schools must fulfil a number of conditions regarding curriculum, inspection and other matters.
The July Education Programme (or July Provision Grant Scheme) provides funding for an extended school year for children with a severe/profound general learning disability and/or children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) enrolled in recognised schools. Under this scheme the school year of recognised schools is extended by four weeks for eligible pupils. Where school-based provision is not feasible, home-based provision may be granted.
Where parents choose to educate their children in places other than recognised schools they have made a decision not to avail of recognised schools. As a result they are not eligible to avail of resources, including the July Education Programme, which they may have accessed through enrolment in a recognised school.
The enrolment of a child to a school is a matter, in the first instance, for the parent of the child and the Board of Management of a school. However, parents who may need advice or assistance in transitioning their child to primary school, or are experiencing difficulties in securing a school placement should contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
