Your child at school – Parents.education.govt.nz – Practical information about education for parents and carers

Find your nearest school

In New Zealand, children can start school or kura anytime between the ages of five and six. Once children turn six, they must be enrolled and attend a school or kura every day.

Enrolling and starting your child at school

When should I enrol my child to go to primary school?
How do I enrol my child? What paperwork do I need to provide?
Can I enrol my child at any school I like?
What if a school refuses to enrol my child?
How can I help my child get ready for starting…

Cohort entry

Cohort entry is when new entrants start school in groups through the year rather than on their fifth birthday.

Making sure your child attends school every day

Going to school every day is really important if children are to achieve and succeed. As parents and carers, it's up to you to make sure your child attends school every day, from when they first start school until they are 16.

Things to know about your child's teacher

How are teachers regulated?
What are the quality control systems for teachers, and who manages them?
Do I have a say in who teaches my child?
Where can I check to see that my child’s teacher is safe to teach and properly trained?
Who employs teachers?
What should I do if I have a concern…

Moving on from primary school

Your child might stay at primary school until the end of year 8, or you might enrol them into an intermediate school for years 7 and 8. For year 9, they will need to be enrolled in a secondary school.

Stand-downs, suspensions, exclusions, expulsions

If your child is stood down or suspended from a state school, state-integrated school, or kura find out what to do next and where to go to get advice and support.

School transport assistance

We provide school transport assistance to help you overcome barriers to education and meet your responsibility to get your children to school. We may provide assistance where distance and/or accessibility is a barrier for students attending the closest school they can enrol at. Find out if your child is eligible for school transport assistance.

Raising concerns with your children's school

If you have noticed a change in your child's behaviour, or have concerns that something might be affecting their learning, speak to their teacher as soon as possible.

A change in behaviour may be showing a deeper issue. It's a good idea to arrange a face to face conversation.

Physical restraint

Schools and kura should be places where the uniqueness and diversity of all ākonga is nurtured and valued. Physical restraint should only be used as a last resort. It is the school’s responsibility to work with you to understand and agree the best way to respond to your child or young person’s distress to minimise situations where physical restraint might be used.

Keeping schools up to date with your information

Schools can deal with issues that need immediate attention, such as attendance, absences, urgent wellbeing concerns, escalating problems and emergencies.

That's why it's important to keep your contact details (address, email and telephone number) up to date at all times. This means your children's school can get in touch with you quickly when they need to.

Emergency guide

A guide for parents, whānau and caregivers to prepare and plan for emergency events at an early learning service or school.