Section 42 of the Education and Training Act allows your child to temporarily reduce the number of hours they attend school.
Education and Training Act 2020, Public Act 42 – New Zealand Legislation
Reduced attendance for your child should be an agreement between you, your school and us. Section 33 of the Education and Training Act sets out your child's rights to attend school during all the hours it is open for instruction.
Education and Training Act 2020, Public Act 33 – New Zealand Legislation
Graduated attendance plan for 5-year-olds#
If your child is starting school, and reduced hours would be in their best interest because of wellbeing or other needs, you can agree on a graduated attendance plan with your school. Your child must be 5 years old.
Your school must work with you and us on a support plan that shows how your child's hours at school will increase over a 6-month period.
A graduated attendance plan cannot be renewed or extended. After 6 months, your child will attend school full-time, or you can ask your school for a reduced attendance plan.
Reduced attendance plan#
If you think at any time that your child would benefit from reducing their hours at school, you can request a reduced attendance plan. This plan must be initiated by parents or caregivers. It cannot be initiated by a school.
You must provide written information about your child's wellbeing needs from a medical practitioner or psychologist.
A reduced attendance plan can only be for up to 6 months. You should work with your school and others who are supporting your child to develop the plan.
The plan should work towards increasing your child's attendance during this period. It can only be extended once for up to 6 months, at your request.
Where to go for help#
If you have concerns about how your child's school attendance is being managed, or you want to talk about your child's attendance needs, contact your regional office.