When should I enrol my child to go to school?

Your child can start school or kura in New Zealand between age five and six. All children must be enrolled at school by their sixth birthday.

When your child has started at school or kura, they must go to school every day. This is a change from the earlier rule, where regular attendance was required only from age six.

Enrolling early helps the school or kura with their planning. As soon as you've decided on a school or kura get in touch with them to enrol your child, arrange a time for your child to start and arrange some visits to get your child used to school or kura.

How do I enrol my child? What paperwork do I need to provide?

You can enrol directly with the school. Contact them to find out their enrolment process.

Documents for enrolling

Check with the school or kura to see what paperwork they want. They will want things like:

• a copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport as proof of age

• a copy of their immunisation certificate (this is in the back of your Well Child book or ask your family doctor for a copy)

• medical information including your doctor’s contact details

• any legal documents, for example, custody or access agreements the school should know about

• if your child has been enrolled in early childhood education, their National Student Number (NSN), and ECE leaver’s record

• contact details: your family phone numbers and address and someone the school or kura can call in an emergency if they can’t get hold of you.

• Board outside of New Zealand.  Copy of passport and Citizens`hip/REsidency/Visa/Immigration documents.