Home Tuition Scheme 2026 — free one-to-one teaching for children who cannot attend school
Home Tuition Scheme Ireland 2026
If your child cannot attend school due to a medical condition, is on a waiting list for a special school place, or is unable to return to school due to a mental health condition, the Home Tuition Scheme provides a qualified teacher to teach your child at home. The Department of Education pays the tutor directly — there is no cost to parents.
Home Tuition Scheme — At a glance
- Cost to parent
- Free — Department pays tutor directly
- Hours per week
- 5–20 hours depending on circumstances
- Who qualifies
- Medical condition / autism awaiting placement / school refusal
- Tutor required
- Qualified teacher (Teaching Council registered)
- Apply via
- School principal (medical cases) or NCSE (autism/SEN awaiting placement)
The three categories of Home Tuition
| Category | Reason for home tuition | Hours/week | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical | Chronic illness or injury preventing school attendance — confirmed by GP or specialist | 5–10 hours (can increase with medical justification) | School applies to Dept of Education with medical certificate |
| ASD / SEN Awaiting Placement | Child with autism or complex special needs on waiting list for a suitable school place | 10–20 hours (varies by age and needs) | Family applies through NCSE |
| Mental Health / School Refusal | Mental health condition (anxiety, PTSD, etc.) where a professional confirms school attendance is not possible | 5–10 hours (guided by CAMHS/psychologist) | School applies to Dept of Education with professional report |
What home tuition includes
- One-to-one teaching sessions at the child's home
- Curriculum-based instruction matched to the child's year and level
- Tutor registered with the Teaching Council (primary or secondary qualified as appropriate)
- Continuity of education during the period when the child cannot attend school
- In autism/SEN cases: tutor may have specialist training in ASD, though this varies
Medical home tuition — what the medical certificate must show
For medical home tuition, the Department of Education requires a medical certificate from the child's treating GP or hospital consultant. The certificate must:
- Confirm the medical condition and its diagnosis
- State clearly that the condition prevents school attendance
- Indicate the expected duration of home tuition needed
- Be signed by a registered medical practitioner (GP or specialist)
A medical cert for a one-week illness is not sufficient — the scheme is for children with conditions requiring extended absence, typically several weeks or more.
ASD home tuition — for children awaiting a school place
Children with autism spectrum disorder or complex special educational needs who are waiting for an appropriate school placement (special school or special class) may access home tuition through the NCSE. Key points:
- The child must be on the NCSE waiting list for a special school place or ASD class placement
- Application is made directly to the NCSE — not through the school
- Hours are typically higher (10–20 per week) reflecting the full-time educational need
- The tutor may be a qualified teacher or, in some approved cases, a person with relevant SNA/ASD training
- Home tuition continues until a school place is secured
How to apply — step by step
- Get the appropriate professional documentation
For medical cases: obtain a detailed medical certificate from the treating doctor or specialist. For mental health/school refusal: a letter from CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) or an educational psychologist. For ASD/SEN: the NCSE will guide the assessment process.
- Contact the school or NCSE
For medical and school refusal cases: the child's principal school submits the application to the Department of Education's Home Tuition Grant Scheme section. For ASD awaiting placement: contact your local NCSE office directly.
- Department assesses and approves
The Department of Education reviews the application. Approved cases receive an authorisation letter specifying the hours and duration of home tuition.
- Find a qualified tutor
Parents are responsible for finding a tutor who meets the scheme's qualifications (Teaching Council registered). Some schools help with this. The Department pays the tutor directly at agreed rates once the sessions are logged.
Frequently asked questions
Does home tuition affect my child's school enrolment?
No. The child remains enrolled in their school during home tuition (for medical or school refusal cases). Home tuition is a temporary educational provision while the child is unable to attend. The school retains the child on its rolls and plans for the child's return when ready.
Is there an age limit for the Home Tuition Scheme?
Home tuition is available for primary and post-primary school age children (approximately 4–18 years). There is no specific age cut-off within school years. Post-primary students in 5th and 6th year can also access the scheme during Leaving Certificate preparation if they meet the criteria.
Can immigrant families access the Home Tuition Scheme?
Yes. The Home Tuition Scheme is available to all children ordinarily resident in Ireland, regardless of nationality. The child must be school-age and enrolled in (or eligible for) a recognised Irish school. There are no immigration status restrictions on accessing the scheme.
What if I cannot find a qualified teacher willing to do home tuition?
Finding a suitable tutor can be difficult in some areas. The NCSE and your school principal may be able to assist with referrals. Some families use teacher networks, Gumtree, or local tutoring agencies to find registered teachers willing to take on home tuition work. The Teaching Council maintains a register of qualified teachers at teachingcouncil.ie.
Can a parent or family member act as the home tutor?
No. The scheme requires the tutor to be a registered teacher — a parent or unqualified family member cannot be paid under the scheme. In exceptional ASD/SEN cases approved through the NCSE, there may be provision for trained SNAs or other qualified support workers, but this is assessed individually.
- Home tuition is not for children who simply prefer not to go to school — it requires professional certification that attendance is not possible.
- Parents do not pay for the tuition — the Department of Education pays the tutor directly after sessions are logged.
- You must find your own tutor — the Department approves the hours and pays the rate, but the family is responsible for recruiting a Teaching Council registered teacher.
- For ASD/SEN cases, the NCSE is the correct contact — not the Department of Education directly.
- Home tuition is temporary — it does not replace school enrolment. The goal is always to transition the child back to school when appropriate.
Related guides
This page was reviewed against official Department of Education and NCSE guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Home Tuition Scheme eligibility criteria and application processes.