Independent Schools: More assistance to parents

Parents who send their children to private independent schools are to see an increase in government assistance, through tax credits.

Parents whose children are in day care, reception or kindergarten will receive tax credits of up to €1,300 (from €1,200)

Those having children in primary school will receive tax credits of up to €1,600 and those whose children are in secondary school will get €2,300 (from €1,600)

Moreover, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said, there will be an increase in government funding for learning support assistants in private independent schools, to save money for parents whose children need LSA assistance.

The independent schools will also receive assistance for investment in software and IT licences, science and sports facilities and the professional development of teachers. The funding will come from a new €1m fund and will be allocated on the basis of the number of students in each school.