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What a specialist education agreement is for
A specialist education agreement is a formal arrangement under section 37 of the Education and Training Act 2020.
A specialist education agreement allows a student to be enrolled in a specialist school. It is an agreement between the parent or guardian of the student and the Secretary for Education or delegate (us).
You must have a specialist education agreement for the student to:
- enrol in a specialist school (day, residential and sensory)
- be admitted to a regional health school
- attend primary school before 5 or over 14 years old
- attend secondary school after 19 years old (if not in the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme).
We only consider an agreement to enrol at primary school before 5 or over 14 years old, or to enrol at secondary school after 19 years old, in exceptional circumstances. All parties need to agree that the school is the best place for their education.
The agreement ends when the student leaves the school. You will need a new agreement to enrol your child at another specialist school.
Section 37 Special Education: Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation
How to apply for a specialist education agreement
Contact us if you are considering an education option that needs a specialist education agreement. We will talk to you about:
- what is best for the student’s education
- any health and safety issues
- what kind of specialist teaching the student needs
- what therapy the student needs
- the location of the child’s home and transport options to and from the school
- whether the school has capacity for the student
- the length of the enrolment and the date the agreement ends or is reviewed
- the school's admission criteria.
Applications must be supported by us and the school you wish to enrol your child at.
Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS)
Students who are receiving ORS still need a specialist education agreement to enrol in a specialist school.
We can talk about a specialist education agreement for your child if they are not part of ORS.
Overview of the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme
What happens if a specialist education agreement is declined
We will talk to you about other options that may be available to support your child's education.
You can ask for a review of a specialist education agreement decision. Contact your regional office for help with the review process.
Transport assistance
Specialised School Transport Assistance (SESTA) is not part of a specialist education agreement. You will need to apply for this separately.
Transport assistance for children with safety or mobility needs
