What is the Home Tuition Scheme and How Can a Psychological Report Help?

The Home Tuition Scheme caters to specific groups of children:

1. Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN):

This includes children with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), severe emotional and behavioural difficulties, or intellectual disabilities. If an appropriate school place is not available, or if the school cannot meet the child’s needs, the Department may approve home tuition as a temporary measure.

2. Children with Medical Conditions:

Where a child has a medically certified condition preventing them from attending school for a significant length of time, the scheme allows them to continue learning from home. The goal is to avoid disruption in education while prioritising the child’s health.

3. Children Aged 2.5–5 Years with Autism:

Early intervention is critical for children with autism. For those who have not yet secured a preschool or early intervention place, the Home Tuition Scheme can provide up to 20 hours per week of individualised tuition focused on skill-building, communication, and emotional regulation.

4. Children Awaiting School Placement:

When a child is out of school through no fault of their own—often due to the shortage of specialist placements—the Home Tuition Scheme offers an interim solution while parents and professionals continue to seek a long-term educational setting.

The number of hours granted under the scheme depends on the child’s individual circumstances and the reason for applying. Here are some examples:

• Early Intervention (Autism, aged 2.5 to 5): Up to 20 hours per week.
• Children unable to attend school for medical or SEN reasons: The allocation varies but typically ranges from 5 to 20 hours per week, subject to approval.

Parents or guardians are responsible for sourcing a tutor. However, the tutor must be registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland. Once a tutor is approved by the Department of Education, they are paid directly by the Department based on submitted timesheets.

This ensures the education is delivered by someone with the qualifications and skills to meet the child’s needs, maintaining a high standard of academic and emotional support.

What Role Does a Psychological Report Play in the Application Process?

A comprehensive psychological report is often essential when applying for the Home Tuition Scheme. It serves as a cornerstone of your application and helps the Department understand your child’s needs from a clinical and educational standpoint.

Here’s how a psychological report can support your case:

• Diagnosis and Documentation: A psychologist can assess and formally diagnose conditions such as autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, or other neurodevelopmental and emotional difficulties.
• Recommendations for Home Tuition: A detailed report will outline why home tuition is necessary, including any challenges the child has faced in school or barriers to placement.
• Evidence of Need: The Department requires clear evidence that the child’s educational and developmental needs cannot currently be met through mainstream or special education settings. A psychological report provides this.
• Support for Early Intervention: For children under five with autism, the report can be used to confirm the diagnosis and advocate for immediate, early-stage support while awaiting placement in an Early Intervention setting.

Without this professional evidence, applications to the scheme may be delayed or declined.

Yes. At Private Therapy Clinic, our experienced psychologists conduct thorough assessments to determine whether a child meets the criteria for the Home Tuition Scheme. Our assessments are holistic, evidence-based, and aligned with Department of Education guidelines.

We assess cognitive, behavioural, emotional, and developmental functioning. If a diagnosis is warranted, it will be made in line with international diagnostic criteria (ICD-11 or DSM-5). We also provide tailored recommendations that align with the requirements of the Home Tuition Scheme.

Our reports are comprehensive yet clear, ensuring that parents can present a strong and well-supported application to the Department.

A psychological report from Private Therapy Clinic typically includes:

• Background and developmental history
• Detailed cognitive and emotional assessment results
• Any relevant diagnoses
• Educational and social recommendations
• Clear rationale for the necessity of home tuition
• Guidelines for implementing support strategies

The report is written in a way that is easy for both parents and policymakers to understand, while still meeting the technical standards required for funding decisions.

The fee for a full psychological report, suitable for Home Tuition Scheme applications, is €480. This includes assessment time, analysis, report writing, and feedback to parents or guardians.

How Long Does the Assessment Process Take?

Once you book an appointment, we aim to complete the full process—assessment, report writing, and feedback—within 2 to 3 weeks. In urgent cases, we may be able to expedite the process. We understand that time is often a critical factor when applying for government schemes, and we work as efficiently as possible to support families.

The application process is managed by the Department of Education. You will need to:

1. Complete the Home Tuition Application Form (available on gov.ie)
2. Include a copy of your child’s psychological report and any relevant medical documentation
3. Provide information about the proposed tutor (once identified)
4. Submit all documentation by post to the Department of Education

Applications are typically reviewed within a few weeks, though timelines can vary depending on the time of year and volume of submissions.

While we cannot complete the Department’s forms for you, our psychologists will ensure the report includes everything needed to support your application. If there are any questions or clarifications requested by the Department, we are happy to respond on your behalf.

The Home Tuition Scheme is designed as a short-term, stop-gap measure—not a permanent replacement for school. It offers continuity and structure during periods when a child cannot access appropriate education elsewhere. The ultimate goal remains reintegration into a suitable school setting as soon as possible.

Once your application is approved, the Department will issue a letter confirming:

• The number of tuition hours allocated
• The timeframe for which tuition is approved
• Payment arrangements for your chosen tutor

At this point, tuition can begin, and your child can receive the structured support they need at home.

We understand that navigating public services can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer:

• Fast turnaround times for assessments and reports
• Qualified and experienced clinical psychologists with deep knowledge of educational needs
• Clear communication and guidance through every stage of the process
• Supportive, compassionate care tailored to your family’s circumstances

We’re here to make this process as smooth as possible, providing the psychological support and documentation you need to access the education your child deserves.

If you’re considering applying for the Home Tuition Scheme, a psychological report is often the first step. We’re here to help you get started.

To book an assessment or speak with one of our clinicians, please visit our Contact Page or call us at +353 (67) 61050. We’ll be happy to talk you through the process and book your appointment.

Let us help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Department of Education. (2024). Home Tuition Scheme. Gov.ie. Retrieved April 17, 2025, from, Link

National Council for Special Education (NCSE). (2023). Children with Special Educational Needs: Guidelines for Schools. NCSE. Retrieved April 17, 2025, from, Link

Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). (2022). Best Practice Guidelines for Assessment and Diagnosis of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. PSI. Retrieved April 17, 2025, from, Link

Teaching Council of Ireland. (2024). Register of Teachers. Teaching Council. Retrieved April 17, 2025, from, Link