More than 160 children with special educational needs will be homeschooled this academic year after their families successfully applied for home tuition grants when school placements proved unavailable.
The figures, revealed in a recently published ministerial brief prepared for Minister of State for Special Education Michael Moynihan, highlight ongoing challenges in Ireland’s special education system despite government commitments to provide appropriate school places for all children.
The home tuition scheme allows families to apply for funding to educate their children at home when a suitable school placement is not “readily available.” While the scheme provides financial support for qualified tutors, it means these children miss out on the social, developmental and structured learning environments that school settings offer.
The revelation comes amid growing concerns about capacity issues in special education across the country. Parents and advocacy groups have repeatedly highlighted the difficulties faced by families trying to secure appropriate educational placements for children with additional needs.
According to The Irish Examiner, special education provision has seen increased investment in recent years, but the demand for specialized school places continues to outpace supply in many areas. Children with autism and other complex needs are particularly affected by the shortage of suitable placements.
The Department of Education has previously acknowledged challenges in meeting demand but has pointed to ongoing efforts to expand capacity through the creation of special classes in mainstream schools and the development of dedicated special schools.
For the families of these 160+ children, however, these future improvements offer little immediate relief as they navigate the challenges of providing appropriate education at home while awaiting suitable school placements.