Starpath

Ireland homeschool checklist

Leaving school

Send a withdrawal letter
Where: Tusla AEARS and child's current recognised school (if applicable)
How: Submit Section 14 Registration Application to Tusla; recognised school notified by Tusla upon confirmation
When: Before home education commences; child removed from school register only after Tusla confirmation of Section 14 registration

Notification: Yes, once
What to file: Section 14 Registration Application Form (www.tusla.ie/services/family-community-support/alternative-education-assessment-and-registration-service/home-education)
When: Before home education commences
Where: Tusla Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service (AEARS)
How to submit: Online portal or postal submission to Tusla
What to include
Completed application form, child's birth certificate, guardian consent, details of educational provision (materials, time allocation, curriculum outline)

Instruction: Parent-led with flexibility to use various resources. No mandatory curriculum. Education must be assessed as providing moral, intellectual, and social development. Irish language instruction is not mandatory but its absence may be considered in assessment if other curriculum deficiencies exist.

Records: Parents must maintain records of educational provision, materials used, and time spent on education. Records subject to inspection by Tusla Authorised Person during assessment and periodic review.

Testing: No standardised testing mandated. Assessment by Tusla focuses on educational provision and materials rather than child performance on exams.
Assessment: Tusla conducts assessment under Section 14 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 using Guidelines on the Assessment of Education in Places other than a Recognised School (2003). Assessment determines if child receives certain minimum education: education must be conducive to child achieving intellectual and social development and not place child in discriminatory position. Standard is lower than primary school curriculum but must meet constitutional minimum.

Section 14 Registration Application Submission: Before home education commences
Tusla Assessment and Registration Decision: Within statutory timeframe (specific duration not defined in provided sources)
Periodic Review by Tusla: Recurring (frequency not specified in provided sources)

Tusla Home Education Guidance (www.tusla.ie/services/family-community-support/alternative-education-assessment-and-registration-service/home-education)
Gov.ie Home Schooling Policy