Learning Support When Your Child Has High Health Needs
Learning Support When Your Child Has High Health Needs
Support is available for your child to continue their education if they can't go to school because they're very sick or they have a severe medical condition and need support to be able to be at school safely.
What support is available if my child has high health needs?
The Ministry of Education can support your child to continue their education if they can't go to school. This could be because they are very sick or they have a severe medical condition and need support to be able to be at school safely.
There are 2 types of support available.
Teacher aide support through the School High Health Needs Fund
The School High Health Needs Fund helps students learn to manage their care needs safely, to the best of their ability. Many students become independent in managing their healthcare needs. A small number of students may need the fund's support throughout their schooling.
Teacher support through the regional health schools
Teachers can teach your child in hospital, at home or other settings if they can't go to school because they're sick. You'll need a medical certificate that says what your child's condition is, what treatment they are having, and how it's stopping your child from going to school.
For more information, see the KidsHealth page about education when your child is in hospital.
Who can I talk to if I want to know more about the School High Health Needs Fund?
If you have any questions, you can ring your local Ministry of Education office, talk to your child's class or form teacher, or the principal of your child's school. For teacher support, you can also contact the regional health school that's closest to you (links below).
See more KidsHealth information about Learning Support
Find out what Learning Support is
Learning Support before school
See the KidsHealth page on Learning Support before your child goes to school
Learning Support at school
See the KidsHealth page on Learning Support when your child is at school
Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS)
See the KidsHealth page about Learning Support when your child has significant needs
This page last reviewed 05 August 2020.
Do you have any feedback for KidsHealth?
If you have any feedback about the KidsHealth website, or have a suggestion for new content, please get in touch with us.
Email us now