Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019
163. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if home education will be funded in the case of a person (details supplied); and the process by which funding can be obtained. [14927/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of my Department’s Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for students, enrolled in schools, with significant medical conditions which have caused, and are likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school for a number of reasons such as chronic illness.
In exceptional cases my 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 re-integration of the student in their school. It is Department policy that Home Tuition cannot be provided as an alternative to school attendance.
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
1. Clearly confirm a diagnosis of school phobia and/or associated depression/anxiety.
2. 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).
More detailed information including the Home Tuition Grant Scheme circular and application forms are available on the Departments website at http://www.education.ie/en/Parents/Services/Home-Tuition/
The Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency is the statutory agency that can offer assistance where a child is out of school. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). Contact details are available at http://www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare
Parents of children who are out of school should contact their local Educational Welfare Officer.
My Department has not received an application in respect of the child referred to by the Deputy. It is suggested that the parents in this particular case get in touch with the local Educational Welfare Officer.
