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Home Tuition Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019

Tuesday, 22 October 2019

Ceisteanna (182)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

182. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children with special needs in receipt of home tuition due to the fact that a suitable school place cannot be found; the number in June 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42945/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Home tuition is not an alternative to a school placement and is provided in very limited and specific circumstances. By its nature, it is intended to be a short term intervention.

Special Educational Needs Home Tuition Scheme

This strand of the Home Tuition Scheme provides funding towards a compensatory educational service for children with special educational needs seeking an educational placement in a recognised school.

Funding towards home tuition is available as a short term measure until a suitable place is available. 

In such circumstances the NCSE will actively engage at local level with schools, Patron Bodies and the families to ensure that suitable places are provided as soon as possible.

If, following completion of that work, the NCSE has not been able to establish the required school placements it can activate the provisions contained in section 37A of the Education Act 1998 are needed, it can be activated.

The legislation was formally for the first time on April 18th in respect insufficient special class and school places in Dublin 15. To date this has resulted in the opening 7 new special classes and a new Special School that will provide 88 places for children with special needs. These children are currently accessing Home Tuition until the transition into their new placements.

The scheme also provides Home Tuition for pre-school/early educational intervention for children with autism aged 2.5 to 6 years of age who meet the schemes eligibility criteria.

No of children in receipt Home Tuition Funding 19/20 and 18/19

 

2019/20 School Year (Current)

End 2018/19 School Year (June 2019)

Special Educational Needs

 

 

Age 2.5yrs – 6yrs

440

584

Age 6yrs+

46

49

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