Apply for Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS)
The Ongoing Resourcing Scheme is for students with high or very high ongoing needs for learning support. This page provides information about how to apply.
| Level of compliance | Main audience | Other |
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Inform
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If it is thought that a student is eligible for the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme, an application can be made by following the process described on this page.
A collaborative process
The application for ORS funding is a collaborative effort between parents/whānau, educators and the team around the child. Applicants (educators or key workers) need to apply at the right time, have a wide range of information about the child or student’s learning support needs, and choose the right ORS application form.
- When to apply for ORS
- What information you need to fill out the form
- Help to choose the right form
- Further information
When to apply for ORS
For: |
When to apply: |
| Young children | Best to apply three to four months before they go to school |
| School children | Any time |
Applications for ORS can be made for children and students who are:
- in transition to school from an early intervention programme
- five to six years old with little or no involvement in early childhood education
- identified as having a significant rise in their level of need
- recent or intending immigrants to New Zealand
- returning with their families/whānau from overseas.
When a student’s circumstances change significantly, or you have new information relating to the eligibility:
If ... |
Then ... |
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It is within six months of the decision letter for the first application |
You can request a review |
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It is over six months since the decision letter for the first application |
You can submit a new application |
What information you need to fill out the form
To fill out an ORS application form, you need to gather information about the child or student’s learning support needs.
- This information should come from whānau/parents or caregivers, specialists, teachers and others that know the child or student well.
- Draw the information from as wide a range of assessments as possible.
- A specific diagnosis isn't needed before you apply.
An ORS application:
- Needs to give a clear and accurate picture of the child or student’s learning support needs, and show how they meet one or more of the ORS criteria
- Can include information from a hearing, vision or medical report, if it’s relevant to the application.
Fact Sheets and Guide to help you complete the ORS application forms:
- Early Childhood ORS Application Form Fact Sheet [DOCX, 49 KB]
- School ORS Application Form Fact Sheet [DOCX, 55 KB]
- Guide for completing Early Childhood Applications [DOCX, 49 KB]
Read the ORS guidelines before you start the application process and for guidance as you complete the application.
Go to the Verification process for ORS to find out what happens after you submit an application.
Help to choose the right ORS application form
ORS has three types of forms. Use the following information to help you choose the right one.
Form one: Early Childhood form (in English and Māori)
| Best to apply: |
For children:
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| Used for: |
The Early Childhood form can be used for high and very high needs. Use the Early Childhood form if you are uncertain about the child clearly meeting one of the very high criterion |
| Educator to complete form: |
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| Forms: | |
| An application is made for very high needs and the child is verified high |
A letter will be provided explaining the verifiers’ decision |
Form two: Early Childhood for very high needs forms (English only)
| Used for: |
The Early Childhood application for very high needs forms are for children (from four years six months) who clearly have very high needs These forms are not for children who are already at school |
| Educator to complete form: | An early intervention specialist should complete the form with the following:
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| Forms: |
There are six forms, one for each criterion or sub-criterion at the very high needs level. Select the form that corresponds with the child’s greatest area of need Note: If you are uncertain about the child clearly meeting one of the very high criteria then you should use the full Early childhood ORS application form [DOCX, 60 KB] ORS application form: Early Childhood Very High Needs Criterion 1 Learning [DOCX, 58 KB] ORS application form: Early Childhood Very High Needs Criterion 2.1 Hearing [DOCX, 57 KB] ORS application form: Early Childhood Very High Needs Criterion 2.2 Hearing [DOCX, 57 KB] ORS application form: Early Childhood Very High Needs Criterion 2.3 Vision [DOCX, 57 KB] ORS application form: Early Childhood Very High Needs Criterion 3 Physical [DOCX, 58 KB] |
When the information provided in the application form doesn’t indicate a child meets ORS at the Very High level:
AND... |
THEN... |
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There is sufficient information in the application to include the child at High needs status |
The child will be verified high and a letter will be sent to the educator. As the Early Childhood for very high needs application should only be used for children who clearly have very high needs when a child is verified high the letter provided will not explain the verifiers’ decision All other copies of the letter including the parent and school (if provided on the application) will also be sent to the educator |
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There is insufficient information in the application to include the child at High needs status |
The child will not be ORS verified and a letter will be sent to the educator As the Early Childhood for very high needs application should only be used for children who clearly have very high needs when a child is not ORS verified the letter provided will not explain the verifiers’ decision
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Note: Observation visits are not available for applications completed on the Early Childhood for very high needs application.
Form three: School and kura form (in English and Māori)
Used for: |
Students enrolled at and attending school and kura |
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Educator to complete form: |
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