Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2019
574. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the role of Tusla in inspecting home schooling facilities; the contact details for the section related to inspecting home schooling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25369/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 every child being educated in a place other than a recognised school must be registered with Tusla - Child and Family Agency, Alternative Education and Assessment Registration Service (AEARS).
The process of registration involves assessment by the AEARS of the education that is being proposed to be provided and education being provided to the child. The purpose of this assessment is to determine if the child will receive a certain minimum education. To apply for registration the child must be resident in the State and
- have reached the age of 6 and is not older than 16 or
- if aged 16, has not completed 3 years of post-primary education and has not yet reached the age of 18.
While there is no legal requirement for a child to register if the child is over 16 and has completed 3 years post primary education, applications will be processed if parent(s)/ guardian(s) choose to apply once the child is under 18 years of age.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) must apply for registration by completing the R1 Home Education Application Form providing details of the proposed education provision.
Contact details:
Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service
Tusla – Child and Family Agency
Floor 4, Brunel Building
Heuston South Quarter
Dublin 8
Telephone: 01 771 8638 or 01 7718 500, Email: homeeducation@tusla.ie .
Information for parents and guardians in respect of Educational Welfare Services is available at the following link:-
https://www.tusla.ie/services/educational-welfare-services/information-for-parents-and-guardians/ .
