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This section explains the criteria for exemption from the absence rules, and how services can apply for an exemption.
For more information on the absence rules refer to Chapter 6 of this Handbook.
Criteria
A child will qualify for an exemption from the absence rules if:
Either the child has been identified as having an ongoing learning support need, and this is supported by:
- an Individual Development Plan (IDP) issued within the previous six months by the Ministry of Education Learning Support team or an alternative accredited early childhood special education provider or
- a completed EC13 (Medical Reasons for Exemption to Use Early Childhood Absence Rule for Children with Special Health Needs) or
- Child Disability Allowance documentation
Or the child has a short-term illness or condition that is supported by an EC13 Form, and this specifies the period of the exemption.
Not eligible
Children without learning support needs or health problems but who have parents or siblings with a learning support need/disability or health problems are not eligible for an exemption from the absence rules.
Application
Services seeking an exemption from the absence rules must complete an EC12 form (and EC13 form where applicable).
These forms, along with supporting documentation, must be retained by the service.
Services must provide these documents to the Ministry or its Resourcing Auditors on request.
EC12 formEC13 formLimits of exemption - general
Absence rules exemptions apply only to the specific enrolment agreement for each child with learning support needs or health problems.
Children with learning support needs or health problems who are enrolled at 2 services for the same hours of attendance cannot be funded for absences at both services.
Limits of exemption - three-week rule
Services may claim funding for all the sessions/days a child was enrolled to attend, but was absent from, within a 12-week period. The 12-week period begins on the first day of absence.
No funding may be claimed for any continuous absences from the 13th week onwards.
Filling the child-place
Another child may attend in the permanently enrolled absent child’s place (provided licence maximums are not exceeded), but funding must not be claimed for this child if funding is being claimed for the absent child.
For more information on filling child-places refer to Section 6-2 of this Handbook.
