Before attempting to homeschool your children, there are important things to know about homeschooling in Ireland. Homeschooling in Ireland is free and legal, but it depends on one parent being at home full-time to complete the process. However, there are several things to keep in mind, including the availability of resources.
Homeschooling is legal in Ireland
In Ireland, homeschooling is a legal choice for parents and their children. The Irish constitution recognizes parents as the primary educators of their children. However, the law requires children to begin formal schooling by the age of six. While some parents choose to use tutors, specialist teachers, or online educational programmes, the overall responsibility for education rests with the parents. If you plan to homeschool your child, you must register with the National Education Welfare Board and get a home inspection.
It is flexible
Although homeschooling in Ireland is not compulsory, it is an option for some families. The constitution of Ireland recognises parents as the primary educators of their children. The law states that children must start school at the age of six, but parents can still choose to homeschool their children. They can hire tutors or specialist teachers, and can opt for online educational programmes. The responsibility of educating children remains primarily the parents’, but in Ireland, it is important for parents to register with the Education Welfare Services (TULSA) to prove that they are homeschooling.
It is free
Although homeschooling is now legal in Ireland, it is not without its problems. In the past, homeschoolers had to register with the National Educational Welfare Board, which was later amalgamated into Tusla, a welfare agency. Homeschoolers argued that the registration process was intrusive and unnecessarily burdensome, especially because they had to submit large amounts of personal information. Consequently, some families fled Ireland for fear of prosecution, while others were jailed.
It is dependent on one parent being at home fulltime
A growing number of families in Ireland are considering full-time homeschooling. However, homeschooling can be an intimidating process for some parents. To ease their fears, Lisa Keating has started a Facebook page for homeschoolers in Ireland. The page offers tips and advice for homeschooling parents.
It is a first official language
Homeschooling in Ireland is not uncommon, as the country has a strong support system for parents who are homeschooling their children. There is also a Home Education Network, which aims to encourage parents to learn educational techniques and offers a library service for books on home education. Home educators in Ireland do not get any financial assistance from the state, but there are several other resources available for them to learn more about the process.
It is a pathway for children
In Ireland, homeschooling is a legal option for parents and children alike. Although it is not required, the Constitution of Ireland protects the right to home-school. Home-educated children have more flexibility in their schedules and are not subject to rigid curricula. In Ireland, there are many homeschooling groups and meet-ups that support families and children.
It is a way forward for parents
Homeschooling is a legal option in Ireland and is recognised as a primary form of education. However, it is still necessary to register your child with Tusla, the government’s education department. You can do this online or by completing a form and sending it in by post. Once you have registered your child, a representative of Tusla will contact you. This representative is known as an ‘Approved Person’. This process does not involve interviewing your child or meeting them, and there is no obligation on your child to attend the meeting.