Applications typically take 4 to 6 weeks to process. If your child is between the ages of 6 and 16, they must remain enrolled and attend a registered school while your application is being processed. This is required by law. Below is a selection of the types of questions you should have answered by the Ministry in your homeschooling application. The government is in the process of creating a guide to help you answer these questions, and there are a number of Facebook groups and homeschooling advisors that provide tips to help you fill out this application. As we offer you a comprehensive educational programme here at Functional Education consisting of all the lessons and plans to meet the standards of the New Zealand curriculum, we can provide you with an application form which you can contact directly with the Ministry of Education so that you can apply for an exemption. As everywhere in the world, homeschooling is seen as a kind of alternative way of life. Sometimes concerns are raised about the quality of homeschooling, as it is obviously easy to get permits and not be responsible for the lessons taken. A lack of social interaction is also often cited as a possible disadvantage. [4] [5] Although official studies of New Zealand`s population appear to be lacking, there is ample anecdotal evidence of the quality of education obtained by homeschooled children in our country, many making valuable contributions to society, gaining easy access to higher education institutions and obtaining tertiary qualifications if they so wish. Further research on the academic and social functioning of homeschooled children is available internationally.

[6] There is no set curriculum you need for homeschooling in New Zealand. However, your application will ask you how you intend to teach at home, and if an exam is conducted, you will also be asked to provide proof of the training you offer. Most countries offer little financial aid for homeschooling, but if you are homeschooling in New Zealand, you can apply for the home schooling supervision allowance. This amount will be paid once your application has been processed. In 2021, the allowance was determined as follows: any parent or guardian of a child aged 5 to 16 can apply for homeschooling. Legal status and resources for homeschooling in New Zealand International travel is allowed for homeschooling, but the allowance for home schooling supervision changes if you are abroad for more than 28 days. We are very fortunate in New Zealand where homeschooling is legal. If you decide to take responsibility for your child`s homeschooling, the program you choose must best meet their child`s needs. This makes your job easier and ensures the best long-term result. You can plan your own program based on the New Zealand program. There are also several ready-made homeschooling programs, many of which are developed by education experts and are based on different teaching approaches and philosophies. I`ve done my best to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling in New Zealand below.

If you have an older child (6-16 years old) who is currently attending a registered school, you can remove (unenroll) your child from their school if you decide to start homeschooling after being approved for an exemption. The process takes 4-6 weeks for approval and your child is required by law to stay in school during this time. Homeschooling (sometimes called homeschooling) is an option in New Zealand. Parents and caregivers who wish to homeschool their child must first obtain approval from their local Ministry of Education. Homeschooling is legal as long as home educators submit a letter of intent to the Ministry of Education to obtain a certificate of exemption from the Compulsory Attendance Act. If you have a child who doesn`t fit into the «normal» box for some reason, homeschooling could be a positive option. Homeschooling can often take the stress out of structured instruction, allowing children to learn at their own pace and in their own way. For special needs, always seek as much support as possible to make sure you are meeting your child`s individual needs and to connect with other parents or teachers who may have similar challenges. Cluey also offers tutoring for special learning needs.

You don`t need a high school diploma to complete homeschooling. It depends on why you want the qualification. If you don`t need a high school diploma to pursue your chosen career path, you can skip this qualification. Originally founded in 1922 to cater to the needs of the most isolated students, homeschooling became increasingly popular in New Zealand in the 1970s and 80s. Many people homeschool because their child does not belong in school or because they feel that their learning needs have not been met in a normal school environment. Concerns about bullying are another consideration, and it`s an option for families traveling or living away from the city. You don`t need anyone`s permission to do this, you are legally allowed to raise your child at home as long as you follow ministry guidelines. The ministry will contact the school to discuss your child`s academic progress as part of the application approval process. While there is no fixed homeschooling program, you need to develop a sufficiently broad, age-appropriate educational curriculum that includes strong reading and numeracy components.