The Irish Home Education Review: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Irish Home Education Review is a statutory process where Tusla’s Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service (AEARS) assesses if a child is receiving a "certain minimum education." It is a legal requirement for all children aged 6 to 16 (or 18 if they haven't completed three years of post-primary) who are not in a recognized school.
1. Submit the R1 Application Form
The process starts when you submit the R1 application form to Tusla. You can download this from the Tusla website. You must submit a separate form for each child.
Include a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate. A solicitor, Peace Commissioner, or member of An Garda Síochána can certify the copy. Once Tusla acknowledges receipt of your completed application, you are legally permitted to home educate. You do not need to wait for the assessment to begin.
2. The Preliminary Assessment
An assessor (called an "Authorized Person") will contact you to schedule a meeting. This is usually a structured interview that lasts about two hours.
The assessor will ask about:
The subjects or learning areas you cover
The materials, resources, and methods you use
How much time is spent on education
How you check your child’s progress
The assessor will also meet with your child. This is to ensure the child’s views are heard and to verify they are receiving an education suited to their age and ability.
3. Defining a "Certain Minimum Education"
Irish law does not define "certain minimum education" by specific subjects or grades. Instead, the High Court has indicated it should be "moral, intellectual, and social."
You do not need to follow the National Curriculum, use textbooks, or sit exams. You only need to demonstrate that the education is suited to the age, ability, and aptitude of your child.
4. Supporting Neurodivergent Children
Many families choose home education because the school system did not suit their neurodivergent child. Assessors are generally aware of PDA, Autism, and ADHD, but you should be prepared to explain your child's specific needs.
Low-demand approaches: If you use child-led or interest-based learning, explain how this reduces anxiety and allows for deeper engagement.
Sensory needs: Mention if you adapt the environment or schedule to manage sensory processing issues.
The child’s interview: You can request that the child meets the assessor in a way that feels safe for them, such as while playing a game or in a shorter session.
5. The Assessment Report
After the meeting, the assessor writes a draft report. You will receive a copy to check for factual accuracy.
If the report confirms a "certain minimum education" is being provided, your child is placed on the Section 14 Register.
If the report is inconclusive, a "Comprehensive Assessment" may be required. This is more detailed and involves observing the child’s learning environment.
6. Ongoing Reviews
Registration is not a one-time event. Tusla carries out periodic review assessments to ensure the education provision continues to meet requirements. These are usually scheduled in advance and follow a similar format to the preliminary assessment.
Common Questions and Answers
Do I need a teaching qualification?
No. There is no requirement for parents to have specific qualifications to home educate in Ireland.
Can I change my mind after starting?
Yes. You can return your child to a recognized school at any time. You should notify Tusla in writing so they can update the Section 14 Register.
What happens if the assessor is unhappy with my progress?
If gaps are identified, Tusla usually issues "conditions." These are specific recommendations for improvement. They will typically schedule a follow-up review in 6 to 12 months to see if these have been addressed.
Practical Preparation Tips
Keep a simple log: Note down activities, books read, or topics discussed. This doesn't need to be formal.
Save examples: Keep a few samples of work, photos of projects, or links to online resources used.
Focus on the child: Be ready to explain how your approach suits your child's specific needs and abilities rather than comparing them to school standards.