I propose to take Questions Nos. 293, 294 and 296 together.
My Department's Home Tuition Grant Schemes provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school. By its nature, it is intended to be a short term intervention.
The Home tuition scheme for 2020/21 at primary ended on the 25th of June 2021 and the Post Primary scheme ended on the 28th of May 2021.
The new application forms and related Circular for the 2021/22 scheme were published on the 7th July 2021 which was published earlier than 2020/21 circular the previous year, which was the 27th July 2020.
The operation of the scheme will continue to be reviewed during the current academic year with a view to improving processes.
The Home Tuition Application form outlines that it may take the Department up to 15 working days to process home tuition applications.
The vast majority of applications made have been processed. The Department is prioritising the processing of a small number Home Tuition applications with a view to processing completed applications within a shorter timeframe.
The operation of the scheme will continue to be reviewed during the current academic year with a view to improving processes.
As per the circular 0038/2021, Parents should not commence Home Tuition until they have received a grant approval letter from the Department confirming that they meet the terms and conditions of the scheme and the date of commencement of grant aid.
Parents/legal guardians are advised that the home tuition grant will not be back-dated. There are no plans to amend this at this time.
Home Tutors are engaged by the parents/guardian of the child who is to receive tuition. Home tutors do not have a contractual relationship with the Department.