Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service

Supporting Education Outside Recognised Schools

The Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service (AEARS) is the Tusla service responsible for registering and assessing children who receive their education outside recognised schools.

Under Section 14 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, Tusla maintains a register of children who are:

• Educated at home
• Attending an Independent (Non-Recognised) School

The information below is organised into two routes: Home Education and Independent Schools. Please choose the route that applies to your child. 

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What is AEARS?

Our Role

AEARS is responsible for the regulation of educational provision in places other than recognised schools and for assessing educational provision to determine whether a child can be entered on the statutory register.

What We Do

• Maintain the Section 14 Register
  A register of children educated outside recognised schools.
• Assess Educational Provision
  Assess whether a child is receiving a certain minimum education.
• Support Applicants
  Provide information and guidance to parents, guardians and education providers.
• Monitor and Review
  Undertake periodic reviews where required.

Home Education

Parents and guardians who choose to educate their child at home remain responsible for ensuring that their child receives a suitable education appropriate to their age, aptitude and ability.

 More about Home Education 

Independent Schools

Parents whose children attend an Independent (Non-Recognised) School also have obligations under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and should familiarise themselves with registration requirements.

 More about Independent Schools