Choosing a school

When choosing a school it is important that you start planning as soon as possible, about a year ahead, so that support is in place when your child starts.

You may wish to visit a variety of schools. As well as regular schools, some communities also have special schools, or schools with a special unit. If you are thinking about enrolling your child in a special school you must have a Section 9 Agreement. A Section 9 Agreement is signed by the family, the special school and the Ministry of Education, Special Education (GSE). For more information about these agreements, ring your local GSE office.

• There are 28 special day schools.
• Regional Health Schools provide a national service for students with high health needs from bases in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
• There are two residential special schools to support students who have hearing impairments and one to support students who have vision impairments. These schools also provide teachers who support students in their local schools.
• There also five residential special schools for students who have a variety of educational and social needs.

While you are choosing a school, discuss your child's needs with the principal, and your child's support specialists, disability groups, and other parents. Remember - listen to their advice, but in the end it is your decision.

Consider the full range of options:

• Does the school have an enrolment scheme? If it does, your child can attend the school if you live in the area, or your child's name was drawn from a ballot.
• How far your child will have to travel to the school, how they will get there and whether it will be safe for them to walk.
• Where their brothers and sisters go to school.
• The school's philosophy on special education - ask the school for their charter, special education policies and latest Education Review Office (ERO) report.
• What range of support is available to meet your child's needs.
• Whether the school's physical environment would suit your child, for example access to classrooms, toilet facilities, or steep or uneven grounds.