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What interventions are#
The Education and Training Act 2020 specifies 9 types of intervention that we can apply. These range from minimal supports as listed in section 172 to 177 of the Act and referred to as low-level statutory interventions. This includes a request for information from board to more significant measures, as listed in 178 and 180 to 181 of the Act. These are referred to as high-level statutory interventions and include appointing a statutory manager or commissioner.
Interventions in state schools: Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation
An intervention is at governance (board) level. The day-to-day running of the school remains with the principal. The aim of any intervention is always to return the school to full self-governance as soon as the recommendations and objectives of the intervention have been met.
Why we intervene#
Every school board wants the best for its students. We are aligned in being committed to building an education system that consistently allows every student to achieve their potential.
As a Ministry, our role is to resource and support schools and to hold them responsible for delivering on their obligations to learners, whānau | families and communities.
There are times when challenges can arise. If left unaddressed, they can escalate into more serious issues. During these times, support remains a priority, but this is not always enough to adequately respond to issues within individual schools or the wider education system.
When we intervene#
As outlined in the Education and Training Act 2020, we can support a school or kura board through a statutory intervention where we determine that there are significant concerns or risks to:
- the operation of the school
- student welfare, or
- the educational performance of their students.
We use data, insights and discussions with you to help assess whether a statutory intervention is an appropriate course of action.
Boards may request an intervention. This may also be considered following recommendations from the Education Review Office (ERO) or when concerns are raised by members of the public or school community.
What happens in an intervention#
We will work with the board to decide what kind of intervention will best address the desired outcomes. Next steps will be dependent on the type of intervention used. These will be documented and explained by our regional staff as the intervention is identified and implemented.
High-level statutory interventions will be gazetted in line with the Education and Training Act 2020. Low-level statutory interventions will not be.
Who pays for an intervention#
Boards are required to pay for the costs of all interventions.
We may cover some or all intervention costs if a school or kura cannot do so without compromising teaching and learning.
Reviewing and ending interventions#
We review an intervention at least annually. The intervention remains in place until the Secretary or Minister considers that either:
- the intervention is no longer required, or
- there is a change in the level of risk and another type of intervention is required.
After a statutory intervention ends or is revoked, we continue to support the board informally for as long as necessary.
To discuss interventions, contact your regional office.
