School High Health Needs Fund

The School High Health Needs Fund (SHHNF) supports students at school and kura who have significant health conditions. The Ministry of Education makes a contribution towards the employment of a teacher aide when the student has a high health need and care and support is needed for more than six weeks.

Level of complianceMain audienceOther

Inform

  • Educators, Teachers and Kaiako
  • Learning Support Coordinators and SENCOs
  • Learning Support Specialist Staff
  • Specialist Health Workers
  • Boards
  • Principals and Tumuaki
  • Non-Government Agencies
  • Disability Sector
  • Parents, Caregivers and Whānau

This directory links to further reading on the School High Health Needs Fund.

About the SHHNF

The fund helps students learn to manage their own care needs to the best of their ability and as quickly as possible. Most students become independent in managing their health care needs. A small number of students may need the fund’s support throughout their schooling.

Eligibility

Students must meet the eligibility criteria to be considered for the funding. Learn more about the criteria.

Examples

See examples of scenarios in which students have been eligible for and benefitted from use of the SHHNF.

Applications

Schools must take responsibility for completing a SHHNF application and work alongside parents/caregivers and Whānau. Learn more about applying for the fund.

SHHNF review applications

Recipients of the SHHNF are reviewed by the Ministry to ensure that they continue to require the support. Learn more about the review process for students who may need an extension of time in the fund. 

Managing the SHHNF

Learn how the School High Needs Health Fund is managed alongside other learning support funds and how the rate of funding is decided.

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