Your child's rights#

Your child must be able to enrol at their local school or kura and attend during all the hours it is open.

While they are at school, your child must have full access to any mobility or communication support devices they normally use.

School activities#

Your child must be able to participate in all school activities, including trips and camps.

If your child needs specific support to be able to participate in these types of activities, talk to your school so they can put a plan in place.

What the law says#

Schools are required to be inclusive, and cater for students with diverse needs, under the Education and Training Act 2020.

Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation

Attendance during opening hours#

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

If your child needs to temporarily reduce the hours they attend school, you can request this.

Attendance plans if your child needs reduced hours at school

Enrolment and participation#

Section 34 of the Education and Training Act covers the right for anyone with learning support needs to enrol and participate at state schools. All students, including those with disabilities and learning support needs, have the same rights to attend and participate at school as students who do not.

A school cannot:

• refuse to enrol your child because of their disability or learning needs
• use health and safety concerns as a reason to deny your child the right to attend school during all the hours it is open for instruction
• ask your child not to come to school, or go home early, because their teacher aide is absent – the school will need to plan for any teacher aide absences.

Education and Training Act 2020, Public Act 34 – New Zealand Legislation

Where to go for help#

If you need support around school enrolment, contact your regional office.

Regional offices

Other support for your child at school#

Schools and kura have resources and tools they can access to support your child, including our learning support team.

Supporting your child if they need extra help with their learning