Legal – Steps
Home education is legal in NZ
You need to show that your child ‘will be taught as regularly and as well’ as in a registered school – s.21 of the Education Act 1989.
Each child needs an exemption, 6-16 years inclusive
Get ‘application for exemption’ forms from your local Ministry of Education office
- About three weeks before child’s 6th birthday or removal from school
Choices – wide open. You do not need to school from home. (see Styles)
You may get an Education Review Office (ERO) visit in first 2-3 years.
THE EXEMPTION FORM
Do’s and Don’t’s:
Find out what Home Education IS and IS NOT from those currently homeschooling. (see Support Group contacts page)
Ask for help before you write or put in your application - from local exemption application helpers – talk things over at picnics, outings, family days
Remember you need to show that you will teach your child/ren ‘as regularly and as well’. Give thought to the routines and structure of your days.
Do not need to send in a timetable.
You do not need to use or follow the NZ Curriculum.
Ignore the negatives and mention the POSITIVES of/for home education. Do not slag schools, teachers, or bullies in your application.
Make sure you sign the form and enclose a copy of the birth certificate, not a passport. If grandparents are applying, put in a copy of the court order. These are common problems with applications.
