A bill has been submitted to Parliament to introduce home-schooling for students unable to attend school due to physical disabilities, psychological conditions or other special circumstances.

The bill, submitted by Huraa MP Dr Anara Naeem, was given its first reading in Parliament today.

It proposes amendments to the Education Act, including provisions to allow eligible students to receive education at home.

Under the proposed amendments, students could qualify for home-schooling if they have a physical disability that prevents them from attending school, a psychological condition that prevents attendance, or other special circumstances.

The bill states that students who meet these criteria would be eligible for home-schooling services if their parents are financially capable of providing them. The provision would apply to students registered in the formal education system.

Under the bill, the Ministry of Education would be responsible for establishing rules governing student assessments, registration for home-schooling, the preparation of education plans, teacher qualifications and the monitoring of students receiving home-schooling.

The bill also proposes making it mandatory for students with learning disabilities to receive formal education.

The proposal follows longstanding requests from parents seeking home-schooling opportunities.