A Tusla home education review is an assessment to confirm your child is receiving a "minimum education" while learning at home. It is a legal requirement under Section 14 of the Education Welfare Act 2000. It is generally a conversational process rather than a formal inspection or a test for your child.
The goal of the review is for the state to ensure every child is being educated. Most families find the process straightforward once they understand what the assessor is looking for.
What is the AEARS Assessment?
The Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service (AEARS) is the department within Tusla that handles homeschooling in Ireland. When you apply to register, or when it is time for a periodic review, an assessor will contact you to schedule an appointment.
This usually happens in two stages:
The R1 Form: You submit a written description of your educational provision.
The Assessment: An assessor speaks with you and your child to see how that plan is working in practice.
The assessor is not there to judge your parenting. They are looking for evidence that learning is happening, even if it doesn't look like school.
How to prepare for Tusla home education assessment
Preparation is about organizing what you are already doing so you can describe it clearly. You do not need a formal curriculum or a classroom setup.
You might find it helpful to:
Gather work samples: This could be drawings, photos of projects, notebooks, or digital work.
Keep a simple log: Having a record of what happened over a few weeks helps you remember details during the conversation.
Review your R1 form: Make sure you can talk about the "educational interest" you've provided.
The assessment is an opportunity to show how your child is progressing at their own pace. If your child has high anxiety or is neurodivergent, you can explain how your low-demand approach supports their needs.
What counts as a "Minimum Education" in Ireland?
Irish law does not define "minimum education" by specific subjects or grades. Instead, it is defined as an education that allows a child to function as a citizen and achieve their potential.
Tusla looks for evidence of:
Moral, intellectual, and social development.
Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
A broad range of experiences suited to the child's ability.
You do not have to follow the National Curriculum. If your child is learning through play, life skills, or deep-dive interests, that counts.
Common Questions Asked by Tusla Assessors
Assessors usually ask open-ended questions to understand your daily rhythm and your child's engagement. They want to see that the education is "suitable" for your child’s age and ability.
Common topics include:
How do you decide what to cover?
What resources do you use, such as libraries or online tools?
How does your child interact with others in the community?
What are your child’s current interests?
You do not need perfect answers. Describing how your child researched a topic they love is valid evidence of education.
Organizing Your Records and Work Samples
Keeping records does not have to be a chore. Some families jot down a few notes at the end of the day. Others do a "brain dump" once a week.
Useful things to track include:
Conversations: Talking about how something works counts as science or logic.
Life skills: Cooking, gardening, or managing money.
Outings: Visits to the beach, a museum, or a shop.
Having these moments logged in one place makes it easier to generate a report. It also helps on days when you feel like nothing happened—you can look back and see the learning that took place.
Defining Your Educational Philosophy
Tusla recognizes many ways to educate. You might follow a structured plan, or you might practice "unschooling" where learning is child-led.
When describing your philosophy, focus on why it works:
"We focus on interest-led learning to rebuild confidence after school trauma."
"We use a low-demand approach to accommodate sensory needs."
Being clear about your approach helps the assessor understand why your day looks different from a school day.
Preliminary vs. Comprehensive Assessments: What's the Difference?
Most families start with a Preliminary Assessment. This is the initial check to get you on the Section 14 register. It is usually a general conversation about your plans.
A Comprehensive Assessment is more detailed and usually happens later. The assessor might look more closely at progress over time. In both cases, the focus is on whether a "minimum education" is being provided.
Section 14 registration Ireland: The Next Steps
If you are starting, your first step is to request an application pack from Tusla. Once you submit the R1 form, you have notified the state of your intent to educate at home.
The review process can feel daunting, especially if you are exhausted from navigating school refusal. Most Irish home educators find that once the first review is over, the anxiety decreases.
You are doing the hard work of supporting your child. The review is just the paperwork part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the assessor have to come into my home?
The assessment usually takes place in your home, as it is the "learning environment." However, you can request to meet in a neutral place like a library if your home is not suitable.
Does my child have to talk to the assessor?
The assessor will want to meet your child and hear their perspective. If your child is non-speaking or has high anxiety, you can explain this beforehand. Assessors are generally experienced with neurodivergent children and will try to make them feel comfortable.
What if my child is "behind" in a certain subject?
Homeschooling allows for an asynchronous pace. If your child is struggling with math but excels in art, you can explain how you are supporting their progress at a level that suits them. There are no "failing" grades in a home ed review.
How long does the visit last?
Most visits last between one and two hours. It is primarily a conversation between you, the child, and the assessor.
If you're finding it hard to keep track of those quiet learning moments, you might find our progress-tracking tool helpful. It’s built for low-demand families to help you turn daily life into a report that works for Tusla reviews. [Try it here for free.]