School High Health Needs Fund

The School High Health Needs Fund supports ākonga at school and kura who have significant health conditions.

Level of compliance Main audience Other

Inform

  • Educators, Teachers and Kaiako
  • Learning Support Coordinators and SENCOs
  • Learning Support Specialist Staff
  • Specialist Health Workers
  • Boards
  • Principals and Tumuaki
  • Non-Government Agencies
  • Disability Sector
  • Mātua and Caregivers 

About the School High Health Needs Fund

The School High Health Needs Fund (SHHNF) supports ākonga with their health needs at school while helping them learn to manage their own care needs to the best of their ability and as quickly as possible.

When ākonga have a high health need and care and support is needed for more than 6 weeks, we make a contribution towards the employment of a teacher aide.

Most ākonga develop self-awareness and independence in managing their health care needs. A very small number of ākonga may need the fund’s support throughout their schooling.  

Eligibility for the fund

Ākonga must meet the eligibility criteria to be considered for the funding. Learn more about the criteria.

Eligibility criteria for the SHHNF

Examples

See examples of scenarios in which ākonga have been eligible for and benefitted from use of the SHHNF.

Examples of ākonga meeting the eligibility criteria of the SHHNF

How to apply

Schools must take responsibility for completing a SHHNF application and work alongside mātua and caregivers.

Learn more about applying for the fund.

Apply for the SHHNF

Application reviews

We review recipients of the SHHNF to ensure that they continue to require the support.

Learn more about the review process for ākonga who may need an extension of time in the fund. 

Apply to extend ākonga time in the SHHNF

How the fund is managed

Learn how the School High Needs Health Fund is managed alongside other learning support funds and how the rate of funding is decided.

How the SHHNF is managed

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