Home tuition for secondary students who fell pregnant

By Linda McGrory

Home tuition was approved for 24 secondary schoolgirls who became pregnant during the last school year, figures reveal.

The Department of Education and Skills approved the applications under the Maternity-Related Home Tuition Grant Scheme designed to help pregnant pupils finish their secondary school education.

The 24 students were approved for funding during the 2016/2017 school year at a total cost of almost €80,000, the department confirmed.

They were among some 2,025 pupils, both male and female, who availed of home tuition under various schemes that year.

The total cost of home tuition in 2016/2017 was more than €14.6m to the department.

Meanwhile, hourly rates of pay for home tutors were increased in January this year. A fully qualified post-primary teacher gets €44.84 per hour, while a fully qualified primary teacher receives €37.29 per hour. Other tutors, such as retired teachers on pensions, are paid a modified rate of €33.36 per hour.

All home tutors are vetted and must be members of the Teaching Council of Ireland.

Home tuition can take place over a six-month period from the date it is approved. However, students can only avail of a maximum of 90 hours’ of teaching over the six months, regardless of how many tutors are involved in their education.

The purpose of the Maternity Related Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for girls at post primary level who, due to their pregnancy, are unable to attend school,” a spokesperson for the Department of Education said.

“Maternity-related home tuition is intended as an interim provision to assist girls to complete their education at second level.”