History
The Irish Christian Home Educators Association was established in 2007 to represent the rights of Home educators in Ireland & also to provide a platform for Christian Home Educators in Ireland to develop contact, in addition to providing ongoing support.
Having noticed the need for support and information, the concept was conceived by Adrian & Sarah Webb from Innishannon, Co.Cork, who have been home educating their four children since they were born.
Although initially reticent, they were encouraged by officials from the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) who pointed out that there was no representation for Home Educators with a distinctly Christian ethos and worldview.
A small number of people have home schooled their children over the years. In the past it was not possible to quantify the exact number as there was no official register. The state took issue with a few on the grounds of truancy & in nearly all cases the state took the view that if you weren’t at school then it was truancy.
Following one or two publicised cases, the State decided to regularise the whole issue of school attendance.
After a long process, the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 was passed into law in July 2002 & the Act provides for the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) which has the responsibility to ensure that each child aged six and upwards attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
Home schooling is now officially recognised by the new legislation & the Parents constitutional right as the primary & natural educator of the child is acknowledged.
The number of Home educators in Ireland is miniscule. Official estimates place the number at approximately four hundred. However, the National Educational Welfare Board acknowledge that it will be some years before the exact number can be established.
The number of Christian home educators is even less. However, it is growing. And as an Association it is our desire to foster this fledgling movement for the glory of God.
Having noticed the need for support and information, the concept was conceived by Adrian & Sarah Webb from Innishannon, Co.Cork, who have been home educating their four children since they were born.
Although initially reticent, they were encouraged by officials from the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) who pointed out that there was no representation for Home Educators with a distinctly Christian ethos and worldview.
A small number of people have home schooled their children over the years. In the past it was not possible to quantify the exact number as there was no official register. The state took issue with a few on the grounds of truancy & in nearly all cases the state took the view that if you weren’t at school then it was truancy.
Following one or two publicised cases, the State decided to regularise the whole issue of school attendance.
After a long process, the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 was passed into law in July 2002 & the Act provides for the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) which has the responsibility to ensure that each child aged six and upwards attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
Home schooling is now officially recognised by the new legislation & the Parents constitutional right as the primary & natural educator of the child is acknowledged.
The number of Home educators in Ireland is miniscule. Official estimates place the number at approximately four hundred. However, the National Educational Welfare Board acknowledge that it will be some years before the exact number can be established.
The number of Christian home educators is even less. However, it is growing. And as an Association it is our desire to foster this fledgling movement for the glory of God.
