In Aotearoa New Zealand, children aged 6 to 16 typically attend a registered school. But if you’re looking for a more hands-on, personalised approach to your child’s education, homeschooling might be the perfect fit for your family. It’s a wonderful way to tailor learning to your child’s unique needs and interests. Let’s explore everything you need to know to get started on this exciting journey!
Home Education Basics: Home education means that, as a parent or legal guardian, you’ll be the one guiding your child’s learning journey instead of sending them to a traditional school. Before you can start, you’ll need to let the Ministry of Education know and get their approval.
Getting Approval: To legally homeschool your child in Aotearoa New Zealand, you’ll need to apply for an exemption from the requirement to enrol your child in a registered school. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Exemption, which gives you the green light to begin home educating. If you have more than one child, you’ll just need a separate certificate for each one.
Steps to Get Started
Step 1: Notify the Ministry of Education Before you begin homeschooling, you need to inform the Ministry of Education about your plans. You’ll do this by filling out the “Application for Exemption from Enrolment at a Registered School” form. This form will ask for some basic details about your child, such as their name, date of birth, and the reasons you’re choosing homeschooling.
You can find the application form on the Ministry of Education’s website under the homeschooling section. If you have any trouble finding it online, you can also request the form directly from your local Ministry of Education office.
Step 2: Create an Educational Plan As part of your application, you’ll need to put together an educational plan. This plan should cover how you’ll teach key subjects like English, maths, science, social studies, arts, health, and technology. Be sure to include your teaching methods, the resources you’ll use, and how you plan to track your child’s progress.
Step 3: Submit Your Application You can apply for a homeschooling exemption anytime after your child turns 5 years old. It’s a good idea to apply before your child turns 6 to make sure there’s no gap in their legal education status.
After you’ve completed the form and your educational plan, send them to your local Ministry of Education office. You can do this via email or post—whatever works best for you. Once the Ministry has your application, they might ask for more information. This is all part of the process.
If your child is already between the ages of 6 and 16, they’ll need to stay enrolled in and attending a registered school while your application is being processed.
Step 4: Wait for Approval If your application meets the Ministry’s requirements, you’ll receive a Certificate of Exemption, and you can start your homeschooling journey. If your application is declined, you’ll be given the reason why, and you will have the opportunity to appeal the decision if needed.
Your Responsibilities as a Homeschooling Parent
Compliance with the Law: As a homeschooling parent, it’s your responsibility to make sure your child’s education meets the standards set out in the Education Act 1989. You can create an environment that’s as flexible or as structured as you like, as long as the Ministry is satisfied that your child is receiving a quality education.
For your application, it’s important to be honest about your educational approach. Whether you choose unschooling, a structured curriculum, or a blend of both, make sure your plan clearly reflects how you will implement it. The Ministry of Education can and does approve unschooling exemptions, as long as parents show a deep understanding of the approach and a well-thought-out plan for their child’s learning. Research your chosen method and explain in detail how it will meet your child’s needs. This will give your application the best chance of approval, and more importantly, it will ensure you begin your homeschooling journey on a path that aligns with your educational philosophy.
Record-Keeping and the Statutory Declaration: Once you’ve received your Certificate of Exemption, the Ministry of Education does not require regular progress reports. The only ongoing requirement is the bi-annual statutory declaration, which you must submit to remain eligible for the homeschooling allowance. This declaration confirms that you are continuing to homeschool your child, but it does not require any details about their progress.
While formal reporting is not necessary, some families find it helpful to keep personal records of their child’s learning activities and progress for their own reference.
What Resources Can I Use?
Finding the right resources is crucial for a rewarding homeschooling experience. The best materials are those that not only suit your family’s learning style but also spark your child’s curiosity and love for learning. Whether you lean towards a more structured curriculum or prefer a flexible, hands-on approach, it’s important to choose resources that keep your child engaged and motivated.
You might find that our unit books and learning resources fit well with your homeschooling needs. They’re designed to be versatile—you can dip in and out of them for specific activities or use them as a full curriculum, depending on what works best for your family. Covering a wide range of awe-inspiring topics and all areas of the curriculum, these resources can help you create a rich educational experience for your child, ensuring that both you as the teacher and your child feel supported, engaged, and empowered. Check them out on our shop to find the perfect fit for your homeschooling journey.
Support
Homeschooling in New Zealand Support Groups: You don’t have to do this alone! There are plenty of homeschooling groups you can join, both locally and online. These groups can offer advice, share resources, and give you a sense of community. You might also consider attending homeschooling meetups or even starting your own group that aligns with your family’s personal beliefs.
Embrace the Journey!
Homeschooling in Aotearoa New Zealand is a fantastic way to tailor your child’s education to their unique needs and interests. While there are some legal steps to follow, the process is straightforward, and there’s plenty of support available to help you along the way. Enjoy the adventure of creating a personalised learning journey for your child, knowing you’re giving them a rich and engaging education! 🌟📚🏡
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. While it provides general guidance on homeschooling in Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s important to consult the New Zealand Ministry of Education or a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
